Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the myelin sheath encasing neurons in the central nervous system (CS) is destroyed by auto-reactive T-cells. The exposed neurons do not move electrical signals encoding vital information as efficiently, slowing motor function and cognitive ability.
Assistive Devices
Challenged by a wide variety of physical, mental, and psychological symptoms associated with MS, a patient often faces a decline in their quality of life. Assistive devices for MS patients help with many functions of daily life – from walking without fear of falling to seeing more clearly. Among scores of assistive devices, many are on the retail market:
- SafeGait 360 Balance and Mobility Trainer (Gorbel Medical)
- L300 for Foot Drop (Bioness)
- Ekso wearable lower extremity exoskeleton (Ekso Bionics)
- Lokomat functional robotic gait therapy (Hocoma)
- RT 300: Lower Extremity Cycling (Restorative Therapies)
- Lido Workset for assessing motor function and spasticity
- ReWalk 6.0, a motorized exoskeleton suit (ReWalk)
- LoFric Primo for clean intermittent catheterization (Wellspect Healthcare)
- OkuStim for decreased vision due to ocular trauma (Okuvision)
Other devices currently testing in clinical trials to assure effectivenes for patients with MS are already available for purchase:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for fatigue-related obstructive sleep apnea
- Controlled whole-body vibration training for preventing falls (Galileo Med L)
- pro5 AIRdaptive Power Plate for whole-body vibration (Badhoevedorp)
- EMPI 300 PV Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulator
- Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer
- Anklebot
- Soterix 1×1 tDCS mini-CT Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
- Ankle foot orthoses
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- HapticMaster robotics-based self-adapting arm training system
- Wii Fit Balance Board as a low-cost means to assess disease progression
- H-coil for repetitive deep transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Lumosity Computerized Cognitive Training (Lumos Labs)
- All Phase of Step Cycle Kit
Medication-Related Devices
Standard therapies for MS include different formulations of small-molecule drugs and proteins. While some medications are taken orally, some are administered by injection. A variety of injectors exist for administering medications:
- RebiSmart, Rebidose, and Rebiject II Devices for Rebif medication
- BETACONNECT Device for BETASERON medication
- Avonex Single-Use Autoinjector for Avonex medication
- Autoject 2 for Copaxone medication
For patients who need help keeping tack of medications, this additional device is also helpful:
- Medication Event Monitoring System to record when patients take Tecfidera medication
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.