multiple sclerosis: an overview for case management professionals
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Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview for
Case Management Professionals
Susan RaimondoConnecticut Chapter
Offices in Hartford and Norwalk860.913.2550 1.800.344.4867
www.ctfightsMS.orgSusan.raimondo@nmss.org
Charlene BreenCare Management Associates/Connecticut Community Care, Inc.Toll-free: 800.654.2183www.ctcommunitycare.org
What does MS look like?
• Julia—a 35yo white married mother who is exhausted all the time and can’t drive because of vision problems
• Jackson—a 25yo African-American man who stopped working because he can’t control his bladder or remember what he read in the morning paper
• Maria—a 10yo Hispanic girl who falls down a lot and whose parents just told her she has MS
• Loretta—a 47yo white single woman who moved into a nursing home because she can no longer care for herself
• Sam—a 45yo divorced white man who has looked and felt fine since he was diagnosed seven years ago
• Karen—a 24yo single white woman who is severely depressed and worried about losing her job because of her diagnosis of MS
• Richard—who was found on autopsy at age 76 to have MSbut never knew it
What is MS?
• Neurological disease• Misguided immune cells• Multiple scars• Unpredictable• Variable• Often progressive
What is MS? cont’d.
• 2-3x women as men
• Usually diagnosed between 20 and 50
• 200 people diagnosed every week in US
• More common in Caucasians, especially those of northern European ancestry
What Causes MS?
GeneticPredisposition
EnvironmentalTrigger
Autoimmunity
Loss of myelin & nerve fiber
• 1/750 for the general population (0.1%)• 1/40 for person with a close relative with MS
(3%)• 1/4 for an identical twin (25%)• 20% of people with MS have a blood relative
with MS
The risk is higher in any family in which there are several family members with the disease (aka multiplex families).
The risk of getting MS is approximately:
What happens in MS?
...cross the blood-brain barrier…
…launch attack on myelin & nerve fibers...
“Activated” T cells...
…to obstruct nerve signals
myelinated nerve fiber myelinated nerve fiber
MS: A Timeline
• 1396- Earliest recorded case of MS.• 1868- Charcot describes the disease and finds MS plaques (scars) on autopsy.• 1878- Louis Ranvier describes the myelin sheath (the primary target of MS in
the central nervous system).• 1981- 1st MRI image of MS is published. • 1993- The first disease-modifying agent for MS—Betaseron—is approved in
the U.S.• 1998- Bruce Trapp confirms that the nerve fibers are irreversibly damaged
early in the disease course (probably accounting for the permanent disability that can occur).
• 2014- There are several medications approved for the treatment of MS and more in the pipeline.
How is MS diagnosed?
• MS is a clinical diagnosis: Signs and symptoms Medical history Laboratory tests Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) Visual evoked potentials (VEP) Lumbar puncture
What tests may be used to help confirm the diagnosis?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Visual evoked potentials (VEP)
Lumbar puncture
How is MS diagnosed?
• Requires dissemination in time and space: Space: Evidence of scarring (plaques) in at least
two separate areas of the CNS Time: Evidence that the plaques occurred at
different points in time
• There must be no other explanation
What is the prognosis?
• One hallmark of MS is its unpredictability. Approximately 1/3 will have a very mild course
Approximately 1/3 will have a moderate course
Approximately 1/3 will become more disabled
• Characteristics that predict a better outcome: Female, onset before age 35, sensory symptoms Complete recovery following a relapse
An Overview of Treatment Strategies
The MS treatment team includes the person with MS and a …NeurologistUrologistNursePhysical therapistOccupational therapistPhysiatrist
PsychiatristPsychotherapistNeuropsychologistSocial worker/Care managerPharmacistPrimary care physician
What are the treatment strategies?
• Management of MS falls into five general categories: Treatment of relapses (aka exacerbations,
flare-ups, attacks—that last at least 24 hours) Symptom management Disease modification Rehabilitation (maintain/improve function) Psychosocial support
FDA-Approved Disease-Modifying Agents
• Aubagio (teriflunomide) *
• Avonex (interferon beta-1a) **
• Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) **
• Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) **
• Extavia (interferon beta-1b) **
• Gilenya (fingolimod)*
• Novantrone (mitoxantrone)***
• Rebif (interferon beta-1a)**
• Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)*
• Tysabri (natalizumab)***
* oral ** by injection*** by infusion
What do the disease-modifying drugs do?
• All reduce attack frequency and severity, reduce scarring on MRI, and probably slow disease progression.
• These medications are not designed to: cure the disease make people feel better alleviate symptoms
How important is early treatment?
• The Society’s National Clinical Advisory Board recommends that treatment be considered as soon as a diagnosis of relapsing MS has been confirmed. Irreversible damage to axons occurs even in the earliest
stages of the illness. Treatment is most effective during early, inflammatory
phase Treatment is least effective during later, neurodegenerative
phase• No treatment has been approved for primary-progressive
MS.• As of 2010, approximately 60% of people with MS are
being treated with a disease-modifying therapy.
MS Symptoms vs Relapses…How Are They Different?
• MS symptoms are chronic or ongoing indicators of MS lesion damage to certain areas of the brain and/or spinal cord
• MS relapses are sudden flare-ups or symptom attacks that typically last several days to several weeks
Joy and Johnston, eds. Multiple Sclerosis: Current Status and Strategies for the Future. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2001
How are relapses treated?
• Not all relapses require treatment Mild, sensory sx are allowed to resolve on their own. Sx that interfere with function (e.g., visual or walking
problems) are usually treated• 3-5 day course of IV methylprednisolone—with/without
an oral taper of prednisone High-dose oral steroids used by some neurologists H.P. Acthar® gel Plasmapheresis
• Rehabilitation to restore lost function• Psychosocial support
What are possible symptoms?
Fatigue (most common) Visual problems Bladder and/or bowel dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction Emotional disturbances (depression, mood swings) Cognitive difficulties (memory, attention,
processing)
(Heat can worsen many symptoms)
What are possible symptoms? cont’d.
Sensory changes (tingling, numbness) Pain (neurogenic, musculoskeletal) Spasticity Gait, balance and coordination problems Weakness, paralysis Speech/swallowing problems Tremor
These are symptoms of a number of illnesses, making diagnosis difficult.
(Heat can worsen many symptoms)
A Word about Temperature Sensitivity
• 70-80% experience heat sensitivity• 20% experience cold sensitivity• Slight elevations in core body temperature (related to
ambient temperature, exercise, fever, hot baths/showers) can cause temporary worsening of MS symptoms—a pseudoexacerbation
• Cooling strategies (A/C, scarves/vests, cold liquids, cool showers) can help maintain core body temperature
If a person with MS has a fever, symptoms canworsen rapidly. Important to find the source of the infection.
How are MS symptoms managed?
Symptom management continues throughout the disease course
Effective symptom management involves a combination of medication, rehabilitation strategies, emotional support—and good coordination of care
Virtually every medication used to treat MS symptoms is used off-label
Many symptoms are invisible and misunderstood.
Cycle of MS Symptoms:Related and Interdependent
Sleep
FatigueDepression
Bladder& Bowel
problems
Sexuality issues
SpasticityConstipation
Cognitive function
Managing MS Fatigue
• > 80% of people with MS experience fatigue; many identify it as their most disabling symptom
• Along with cognitive dysfunction, fatigue is the most common cause of early departure from the workforce
• MS fatigue is easily misunderstood by family members and employers as laziness/disinterest
Managing MS Fatigue, cont’d.
Strategies:• Identify/address contributory factors
Disrupted sleep; muscle fatigue; disability-related fatigue; depression; medications
• Develop comprehensive treatment plan Energy conservation: planning/prioritizing; mobility
aids; environmental modifications Exercise regimen Medications: amantadine, modafinil, armodafinil
Managing Bladder Dysfunction
• 80% of people with MS experience bladder problems.• Major cause of embarrassment and social isolation.
Types• Storage dysfunction
Small, spastic bladder in which small quantity of urine triggers the urge to void
Sx include: urgency, frequency, incontinence, nocturia
Tx includes: anticiholinergic/antimuscarinic medication
Managing Bladder Dysfunction, cont’d.
Types, cont.• Emptying dysfunction
Bladder fails to empty risk of UTI Sx include: urgency, frequency, nocturia,
incontinence Tx includes: ISC and
anticholinergic/antimuscarinic medications
Managing Bowel Problems
• Experienced by 50% of people with MS Constipation—most common
- Loose stool (related to impaction) Bowel incontinence—least common
• Managed best with regular bowel routine Adequate fluid/fiber intake Exercise OTC products as needed Anticholinergic medications added to
manage incontinence
Improving Mobility
• 80-90% of people experience mobility impairment due to weakness, imbalance, sensory problems, or spasticity
• Management strategies: Dalfampridine (Ampyra) to improve walking (speed;
weakness) Spasticity management Exercise/gait training Mobility aids for weakness, balance, and fatigue issues
Improving Mobility, cont’d.
Ataxia/Tremor• Less common MS symptom, but very disabling• No effective treatments at this time• Medications that may be tried: propranolol;
primidone; acetazolamide; buspirone; clonazepam
• Occupational therapy, weighting; assistive devices
• Thalamic surgery for tremor (generally poor results)
Managing Spasticity
• Experienced by 40-60% of people with MS (more common in the lower extremities)
• Management strategies: Stretching Oral medication (baclofen, tizanidine, clonazapam,
gabapentin, cyproheptidine, dantrolene, dopaminergic agonists)
Baclofen pump Botox injections; nerve blocks; surgery
• Some spasticity is useful to counteract weakness
Managing Sexual Dysfunction
• 40-80% of people with MS Reduced libido (behavioral/environmental strategies) Sensory disturbances (anticonvulsant medications)
• Women Reduced lubrication (gels)
• Men Erectile dysfunction (pharmacotherapy; implants)
• Other contributory factors Managing symptoms that interfere with sexual activity/pleasure (fatigue,
spasticity, bladder dysfunction) Managing medications to promote comfort and responsiveness
(anticholinergic; antidepressants; fatigue & spasticity meds) Feelings and attitudes – education and counseling
Managing Pain
• 75% of people with MS experience pain• Neuropathic (central) pain
Paroxysmal pain (trigeminal neuralgia; headache)• Anticonvulsants
Continuous pain (dysesthesias)• Tricyclics; anticonvulsants
• Secondary pain Musculoskeletal pain
Physical therapy; NSAIDs Spasticity—As described previously
Speech Issues
• 40-50% experience speech/voice disorders Dysarthria – impaired volume control, articulation,
emphasis Dysphonia – altered voice, pitch control, breathiness,
hoarseness• Speech/language assessment:
Oral peripheral examination, voice eval, communication profile
• Treatment: includes exercises, strategies and compensatory techniques to improve speech
clarity, augmentative device or ACC, if needed
Swallowing Issues
• Dysphagia – less common symptom Swallowing assessment, clinical history,
examination, videofluoroscopy (modified barium swallow)
• Treatment Exercises Dietary modifications/positioning while
eating/chewing strategies Non-oral feeding options, if needed
Visual Impairments
Nystagmus:• Jerky eye movement• World is “wiggling”
Optic Neuritis –inflammation of the opticnerve can cause:• Blurred vision• Dimming of colors• Pain when eye is moved• Blind spots• Loss of contrast sensitivity
Cognitive Symptoms
• Correlates with number of lesions, lesion area, and brain atrophy
• Can occur at any time in the course of the disease• Can occur with any disease course• Being in an exacerbation is a risk factor for cognitive dysfunction
Cognitive Symptoms, cont’d.
• Most common problems: memory, attention/concentration, information processing
• Treatments:• Disease-modifying therapy, donepezil• Cognitive rehabilitation (primarily compensatory)
Cognitive symptoms are often misunderstood.
Managing Depression
• >50% of people with MS will experience a major depressive episode
• Suicide in MS is 7x higher than in the general population Greatest risk factor for suicide in MS is
depression• Depression is under-recognized, under-diagnosed
and under-treated in MS• Recommended treatment:
psychotherapy + medication + exercise
Other Affective Disorders
Bipolar disorder• 10 times the rate of general population
Mood swings • Rapid changes in feelings - anger, irritability, sadness -
are very common Anxiety disorder
• As common as depression, particularly in the early phases of the disease
Pseudobulbar affect• Pathological laughing and weeping
Euphoria• In progressive MS, person may be excessively happy
given their situation.
Serious Complications
• Urosepsis• Aspiration pneumonia• Pulmonary dysfunction• Skin breakdown• Untreated depression• Osteoporosis
What are the psychosocial challenges?
Uncertain diagnosis Unpredictable course and outcomes Invisible symptoms Potential physical and/or cognitive disability Diminished self-esteem Impact on relationships and family systems Uncertain financial future
What are essential psychosocial interventions?
Disease-related education to enhance people’s understanding of the disease, adaptive coping strategies, and available resources
Support for the ongoing grieving process as activities and roles are altered by the disease
What are essential psychosocial interventions? cont’d.
Help with important life transitions—diagnosis, disease progression, disability
Assessment and treatment of emotional and/or cognitive problems
Support for family members
What role does rehabilitation play?
• Rehabilitation offers structured, problem-focused,
interdisciplinary interventions to:
Enhance/maintain function, comfort, safety, and
independence over the course of the disease
Educate for self-management and behavior
change
What role does rehabilitation play? cont’d.
• Rehabilitation offers structured, problem-focused,
interdisciplinary interventions to:
Identify appropriate assistive devices and
environmental modifications
Prevent injuries and unnecessary complications
Empower individual and family
Rehabilitation and MS: Medicare coverage for maintenance programs
• Jimmo Settlement - Maintenance Therapy
• Skilled therapy services are covered when an
assessment of the patient’s condition demonstrates
that skilled care is necessary for the performance of a
safe and effective maintenance program to maintain
the patient’s current condition or prevent or slow further
deterioration.
• 60% of people with MS have activity
limitation
• 20-25% need long-term care services
• 14,000 in nursing homes
• 60% of nursing home residents with MS are
under 60 years of age
Long-term Services and Supports
MS-Related Stresses for Patients & Families
• MS is a chronic disease that many will live with for decades.
• The unpredictability from day to day and year to year is difficult for patients and families to handle.
• MS is a disease characterized by change and loss.• Treatment costs and loss of income threaten patient and
family well-being.• With more options available and choices to make,
patients and families worry about making “wrong” choices.
What can people do to feel their best?
• Balance activity with rest.• Talk with their rehabilitation professional about
exercise • Eat a balanced, low-fat, high-fiber diet. Drink
plenty of fluids to maintain bladder health and avoid constipation.
• Avoid heat if they are heat-sensitive.• Follow standard preventive health measures for their age group
What can people do to feel their best? cont’d.
• Reach out to their support system, stay connected, avoid isolation.
• Become an educated consumer.
• Make thoughtful decisions regarding: Disclosure Choice of physician Employment choices Financial planning Health and wellness
So what do we know about MS?
• MS is a chronic, unpredictable disease • The cause is still unknown• MS affects each person differently; symptoms vary widely• MS is not fatal, contagious, directly inherited, or always
disabling• Early diagnosis and treatment are important
Significant, irreversible damage can occur early on Available treatments reduce the number of relapses and
may slow progression• Treatment includes: attack management, symptom
management, disease modification, rehab, emotional support
What You Can Do
• Be knowledgeable about MS and its symptoms• Be sensitive to the losses and sadness that people
with MS experience• Understand the variability of the disease• Understand that people with MS want to be as
independent as they possibly can• Contact the National MS Society (1-800-344-4867)
for information, resources and support (www.nationalmssociety.org)
Society Resources for People with MS
• Chapters around the country• www.nationalMSsociety.org• Access to reliable information and referrals (800-344-4867)• Educational programs (in-person, online)• Support programs (self-help groups, peer and professional
counseling)• Consultation (legal, employment, insurance, long-term care)• Financial assistance
Society Resources for Health Professionals
• MS Clinical Care Network• www.nationalmssociety.org/ms-clinical-care-network/index.aspx
Email: healthprof_info@nmss.org• MS Clinical Care Connection – the Society’s quarterly enews for
clinicians – provides information and resources on a range of topics related to comprehensive MS care.
• Comprehensive MS library/literature search services• Clinical consultations with MS specialists• Professional publications • Professional education programs (medical, rehab, nursing, mental health)• Consultation on insurance and long-term care issues
National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter
www.ctfightsMS.org659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112-1269programs@ctfightsMS.org
860.913.2550800.344.4867
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