Impairment and restrictions in possibly benign multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
• Defining 'benign MS' is complex, often relying on limited disability metrics.
• Patient adaptation and resourcefulness are crucial for managing MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore various health dimensions in patients with potentially benign multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To assess patient adaptation and identify factors contributing to a perceived benign disease course.
• To evaluate the prevalence of benign MS using different criteria, including cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 125 patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤3.5 and disease duration ≥15 years.
• Assessment of physical and neuropsychological functioning, daily activities, and patient-reported outcomes.
• Inclusion of coping strategies, social support, and sense of coherence in the analysis.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of fatigue (73%) and depression (46%) was high, despite minor cognitive impairment (8%).
• Quality of Life (QOL) and daily activities were less affected.
• High social support, coping abilities, and sense of coherence predicted perceived disease benignity.
• Estimated benign MS rates were 23% (EDSS-based) and 16% (including cognition).

Conclusions:

• Common definitions of benign MS may oversimplify the disease's complexity.
• Individual impairments and personal resources significantly influence the impact of MS on daily life.
• Patient-reported outcomes and psychological factors are vital for understanding the experience of living with MS.