Month: May 2020

  Are you worried about being at a higher risk to get COVID-19? This new study (not peer-reviewed yet) looked at the COVID outcome in those with MS (76 participants involved in the study. Good news, here is the conclusion: most MS patients with COVID-19 do not require hospitalization despite being on DMTs (disease-modifying therapy). Factors linked with critical illness were similar to the general at-risk patient population. DMT use did not seem to predict poor COVID-19 outcome.  MS itself does not increase the risk of getting COVID-19 however, certain factors associated with your MS may increase the risk of infection or complications: certain disease-modifying therapies, other chronic health conditions, age greater than 60. More details in this article from St Michael’s Hospital – Toronto Massage, Neuromodulation Stimulators, Mindfulness Meditation, Light Therapy  Helius Medical Technologies announced in May 2020 that its Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) device, short-term treatment for gait deficit due to mild and moderate symptoms of MS used in conjunction with supervised physical therapy, has received a breakthrough designation by the FDA. More details here.  This new randomized trial shows that 6 weeks of massage in water therapy had a significant effect on walking speed, postural control (static and dynamic balance), pain intensity, fatigue, and quality of life in women with MS.   Cognitive improvement (working memory and verbal learning skills) can be achieved with a cognitive rehab...