Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition in the brain where the myelin and axons in the central nervous system are attacked and damaged, leading to inflammation and neurodegeneration. Immune and inflammatory cells attack the myelin and oligodendrocytes in the CNS, leading to unwanted inflammation and damage to the protective layer of the brain and spinal cord. MS is usually diagnosed from ages 20-40, and can lead to a variety of neurological issues. This particular client at my internship works on therapeutic exercises that helps improve his hand-eye coordination, balance, strength, and overall movement. From what I understand, he has made great progress, and is improving his balance and coordination every session.
This past week, this client showed the trainer and I a YouTube video that shows his visual condition, Oscillopsia, which is a common associated condition in MS patients. Oscillopsia causes still objects to seem like they are bouncing up and down, or back and forth. For visual reference, here is the video he showed us during the session: Oscillopsia Visualization. Oscillopsia is directly associated with the lesions caused by the demyelination in the central nervous system, caused by the autoimmune characteristics of MS. This client works hard at NeuAbility to help reduce the impacts of this condition, by performing exercises that work on hand-eye coordination and intentional movements/balance.
I am very interested in the world of neuroscience and physiology, and I am super appreciative when clients at my internship take the time to explain their knowledge and experience of their condition with me. There is so much about the brain that we do not know, including the specific pathophysiology of MS that tells us why this autoimmune response occurs in the CNS. I am currently also in a neurological disorders course, and it has been very interesting to see the overlap of that content at my internship and in our physiology lecture.
Cendrowski, W., & Szubert, M. (1979). Oscylopsia w stwardnieniu rozsianym [Oscillopsia in multiple sclerosis]. Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska, 13(1), 111–113.
Dighriri, I. M., Aldalbahi, A. A., Albeladi, F., Tahiri, A. A., Kinani, E. M., Almohsen, R. A., Alamoudi, N. H., Alanazi, A. A., Alkhamshi, S. J., Althomali, N. A., Alrubaiei, S. N., & Altowairqi, F. K. (2023). An Overview of the History, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacological Interventions of Multiple Sclerosis. Cureus, 15(1), e33242. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33242.
Jorge Correale, María I. Gaitán, María C. Ysrraelit, Marcela P. Fiol, Progressive multiple sclerosis: from pathogenic mechanisms to treatment, Brain, Volume 140, Issue 3, March 2017, Pages 527–546 https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/aww258
This was very interesting to read! I think it’s really interesting that you were able to see the effects of MS firsthand through your internship. It is interesting that the exercises your client does for hand-eye coordination and balance can help him manage challenges. In the article: What constitutes a ‘successful’ recovery? Patient perceptions of the recovery process after a traumatic injury, it mentions how recovery is also about staying engaged and maintaining a sense of self. Do you think his level of engagement has played a role in how he views his progress and manages the challenges of MS?
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