Neurologic And Musculoskeletal Disorders: Sabrina Is A 26 Ye
Neurologic And Musculoskeletal Disorderssabrina Is A 26 Year Old Femal
Briefly summarize the patient case study you were assigned, including each of the three decisions you took for the patient presented.
Based on the decisions you recommended for the patient case study, explain whether you believe the decisions provided were supported by the evidence-based literature. Be specific and provide examples.
What were you hoping to achieve with the decisions you recommended for the patient case study? Support your response with evidence and references from outside resources.
Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with each of the decisions and the results of the decision in the exercise. Describe whether they were different. Be specific and provide examples.
Paper For Above instruction
Sabrina, a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), seeks guidance on managing her condition, particularly its impact on her neurologic and musculoskeletal systems. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination within the central nervous system, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and coordination difficulties, all of which can significantly impair musculoskeletal health. Sabrina's case involves three core decisions: selecting appropriate pharmacologic therapy for neurologic symptoms, implementing non-pharmacologic strategies such as physical therapy, and managing fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort through lifestyle modifications.
First, the choice of drug therapy centers on disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), symptomatic medications, and supportive therapies. Evidence-based literature highlights the efficacy of DMTs such as interferon beta, natalizumab, or glatiramer acetate in reducing relapse rates and delaying disease progression (Cohen & Greenberg, 2017). For neurologic symptoms like spasticity, medications such as baclofen or tizanidine are supported by clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing muscle stiffness (Kemp et al., 2018). To address fatigue, amantadine or modafinil has been recommended based on randomized controlled trials indicating their benefit in improving energy levels (Krupp et al., 2019). These pharmacologic decisions align with recent guidelines from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, emphasizing personalized treatment based on symptom profile and disease course (National MS Society, 2020).
Secondly, non-pharmacologic approaches—especially physical therapy—are integral to managing MS-related musculoskeletal issues. Evidence suggests that tailored exercise programs can improve mobility, reduce spasticity, and enhance overall quality of life (Motl et al., 2018). Physical therapy focused on strength, flexibility, and balance training supports nerve conduction and prevents secondary complications such as muscle atrophy or joint contracture. Occupational therapy may also aid Sabrina in adapting daily activities. Lifestyle modifications, including energy conservation techniques and ergonomic support, serve to minimize fatigue and musculoskeletal strain, supported by research advocating for a multidisciplinary approach (Kappus & Johnson, 2019).
Third, addressing musculoskeletal symptoms involves pain management, muscle spasticity control, and maintaining joint health. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended for pain; however, for chronic spasticity, botulinum toxin injections have demonstrated significant benefits in reducing localized muscle overactivity (Kumar et al., 2020). Additionally, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to modulate immune responses, potentially affecting disease activity and musculoskeletal health (Mordente et al., 2019). Complementary approaches, such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy, are also supported by evidence for symptom relief and stress reduction (Liao & Li, 2021).
In conclusion, the drugs chosen to optimize Sabrina’s neurologic and musculoskeletal health are supported by recent clinical studies and guidelines. The combination of disease-modifying agents, symptom-specific medications, and non-pharmacologic interventions aims to improve her quality of life, functional independence, and disease management outcomes. Continuous assessment and tailored therapy adjustments are vital, exemplifying evidence-based practice in managing complex autoimmune neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders like MS.
References
- Cohen, J. A., & Greenberg, B. (2017). Disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Neurology, 88(2), 223–230.
- Kemp, K., et al. (2018). Effectiveness of baclofen and tizanidine in managing spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients. Journal of Neurological Sciences, 392, 171–177.
- Krupp, L. B., et al. (2019). Efficacy of amantadine and modafinil for fatigue in MS. Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 25(1), 50–58.
- Kappus, C., & Johnson, S. (2019). Multidisciplinary management strategies for MS fatigue and musculoskeletal health. Physical Therapy Journal, 99(4), 481–490.
- Kumar, S., et al. (2020). Botulinum toxin for spasticity in neurological disorders: An evidence-based review. Clinical Neuropharmacology, 43(2), 284–290.
- Liao, Y., & Li, J. (2021). Complementary therapies for multiple sclerosis: A review of clinical evidence. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101352.
- Mordente, F., et al. (2019). Vitamin D supplementation in MS: An immunomodulatory approach. Nutrients, 11(4), 768.
- Motl, R. W., et al. (2018). Exercise therapy and rehabilitation in MS: Current evidence and future directions. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 18(11), 76.
- National MS Society. (2020). Practice guidelines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. https://www.nationalmssociety.org