Recovery following acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis: from impairment to quality of life

To observe the pattern of recovery after treatment with intravenous Methylprednisolone (iv. MP) for a relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS), and to determine the best time to plan further interventions such as rehabilitation, we assessed consecutive outpatients (n = 24) treated with i.v. MP for a relapse over a period of 12 weeks. Outcomes measures used were the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Incapacity Status Scale (ISS), the MOS Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Mental Health Inventory (MHI), and the MS-Related Symptom Checklist (MSSCL). There was statistically significant early improvement of EDSS and ISS scores, which was sustained until week 12, and significant improvement of MHI and MSSCL scores between 4 and 12 weeks. Although trends for improvement of scores reflecting the some pattern of recovery were observed with the SF-36 physical and mental composites, these changes did not reach statistical significance. Our results suggest that improvement of impairments and disability after treatment with i.v. MP for a relapse of MS occurs early while improvement of subjective health status is delayed. Even after maximum improvement is reached patients ore left with multiple symptoms and functional limitations, and may benefit from additional rehabilitative interventions.