Multiple sclerosis and rehabilitation outcome.

This paper reviewed the outcome for people with severe multiple sclerosis admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation center. Data was gathered on admission, at discharge, and at three months postdischarge. Over a four-year period 28 patients received care comprising a total of 33 patient admissions. Seventy-three percent of the cases were women, ages 23 to 69. Sixty-one percent were admitted from acute care medical services. On admission, 18% ambulated independently, by discharge 76% could do so. Fifteen cases changed from dependent to independent status in stair climbing by discharge. Less dramatic improvements were noted for activities of daily living categories. In general, individuals who stayed at the center longer were initially more dependent and made greater relative gains. More patients with multiple admissions were married, and they tended either to be employed or to have at least partial homemaking responsibilities.