Assistive Devices for Multiple Sclerosis Patients Can Help

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 TodayĀ 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.