Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects a wide range of age groups in different ways. There are lots of different treatments for MS but this article looks at how specialist seating accessories can help in the management of this condition.
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Clinical needs of MS patients
MS is an auto-immune disorder where someone’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. The causes of the disease are unclear. The myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves can become damaged which results in inflammation, confusing the messages transmitted by the nerves. This can cause muscle spasms and cramps, weakness and fatigue, problems with vision and balance, and incontinence issues. There is currently no cure for MS but there are lots of different treatments available to ease symptoms. Choosing a chair that facilitates the right treatment and therapy will help MS sufferers improve their quality of life.
Specialist seating accessories for patients with MS
We have identified a range of seating attachments that can assist MS sufferers with their treatment.
| Symptom |
Seating Accessory |
| Muscle weakness on one side | Lateral supports |
| Prevents falling to one side | |
| Seat tilt-assistant | |
| Tilts upper body back to help maintain a more centralised position | |
| Muscle spasms and cramps |
Angle-adjustable back |
| Helps patients relax and reposition themselves to relieve pain and tension | |
| Balance problems/dizziness |
Sculpted seats/pommels |
| Improves pelvic positioning, helping balance and maintaining a healthy posture | |
| Incontinence |
Incontinence cover |
| A removeable waterproof cover that can be easily removed and cleaned |
Chairs that have these accessories
Copgrove Riser Recliner Chair
The Copgrove is a stylish riser recliner chair that can be made-to-measure and is available in a range of different backrests, fabrics and colours. Tilt-in-space comes as standard and dual motor tilt-in-space is a useful option for MS sufferers, as it gives independent backrest and legrest movement to help with repositioning.
Accessories include: lateral support cushions, lateral waterfall back, double lateral backrest, angle adjustable back
Cura Legacy Care Chair
A highly adjustable care chair, the seat depth, width, height and back angle can all be adjusted to suit a variety of patients. Tilt-in-space, legrest elevation and back angle recline all come as standard, which are important features for MS patients, and it is available with manual or electric action.
Accessories include: waterfall back, butterfly back, thoracic back, adjustable back angle
Rea Azalea Tilt-In-Space Wheelchair
The Rea Azalea is an attendant-propelled wheelchair with tilt-in-space so useful for MS patients who have had relapses or are undergoing treatment in hospital. There are lots of accessories available to help posture and positioning.
Accessories include: seat tilt-assistant, sculpted seat/pommel, incontinence cover
Lento Care Chair
The Lento Care Chair is designed to suit the majority of the adult population, so ideal for MS patients who can come from a wide range of age groups. With five points of adjustment, seat width, depth, height, back angle and arm height, this is a truly unique chair and one of the most adjustable care chairs on the market. Its adjustability means it can be continually resized and reused for different hospital patients.
Accessories include: motorised back angle recline
Little Lento Care Chair
A scaled-down version of the Lento with the same level of adjustability and range of accessories. Used for children and adults up to a height of 5ft 2in.
Accessories include: motorised back angle recline
Conclusion
People with MS have changing needs and symptoms can fluctuate over time. Depending on the treatment plan used there are specialist seating accessories that can help MS sufferers manage their condition and become more independent.
For further details on seating accessories and advice on specialist seating contact our team:
Brian is a university graduate with a particular interest in researching and writing about healthcare topics, including medical conditions, and current NHS issues and solutions. To ensure his articles are relevant and accurate, Brian uses UK government and private sector reports, and draws on a vast network of independent occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals to both inform and verify his work.
