Evaluation of Motor Deficits in Patients Suffering from Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

It is generally accepted that motor deficits in the lower extremities are among the most important symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). An objective analysis of these deficits would seem to be essential for the following reasons: (1) Pathophysiological research has yet to clarify the nature and localization of lesions in different types of muscular hypertonia (i.e., spinal and supraspinal spasticity) or in other motor disturbances like spinal and supraspinal ataxia; (2) Detection of discrete motor deficits (e.g., weak monoparesis, obscure gait disturbances) and specification of abnormalities using qualitative and quantitative methods can be helpful in establishing the diagnosis; and (3) quantitative measurements in motor disturbances are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the drugs used in the treatment of motor disturbances.