Review of neurological rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis in the British Military

• Published in: BMJ military health Vol. 168; no. 4; pp. 324 - 328
• Main Authors: O'Sullivan, Oliver, Allsopp, L, Mitchell, J, Price, L, Tourle, K, Ellis, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London British Medical Journal Publishing Group 01.08.2022; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Diagnostic tests; Inflammation; Magnetic resonance imaging; Military service; Multiple sclerosis; neurological injury; Neurology; Personal view; Primary care; Rehabilitation; rehabilitation medicine; United Kingdom > UK; United States > US
• ISSN: 2633-3767; 2633-3775
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001852

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.