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Review of neurological rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis in the British Military
  1. Oliver O'Sullivan1,2,
  2. L Allsopp3,
  3. J Mitchell1,4,
  4. L Price3,
  5. K Tourle3 and
  6. H Ellis3
  1. 1 Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, DMRC Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
  2. 2 Headquarters Army Medical Services (HQ AMS), Camberley, UK
  3. 3 Neuro-Rehabilitation Department, DMRC Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
  4. 4 Metabolic Neurology, University of Birmingham Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, UK
  1. Correspondence to Maj Oliver O'Sullivan, Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, DMRC Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW, UK; oliver_osullivan{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disorder, classically presenting in working age adults, including those in the Armed Forces. The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall offers vocationally focused neurorehabilitation services for service personnel (SP) with MS, with the goal to minimise disability, maximise independence and remain able to work.

This paper has two aims. First, it briefly provides a clinical update of MS, focusing on pathology, presentation, diagnosis and management. Finally, it will describe the role of DMRC and data from the last decade in the management of MS.

Our findings suggest not all SP with MS are being referred to DMRC, and some of those who do have significant delays, potentially impacting on patient support, symptom management and occupational outcomes. It is hoped that this paper will improve awareness and recognition of MS for Armed Forces personnel.

  • multiple sclerosis
  • rehabilitation medicine
  • neurological injury

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001852

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors OOS and HE developed the idea. OOS and LP performed case reviews. LP performed the telephone survey. OOS drafted and submitted the manuscript. LA, JM and KT provided specialist input and reviewed the drafts. HE edited the manuscript and provided senior review.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.