MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND YOGA

Abstract

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease, characterized by episodes of focal deficits of the optic nerves, brain and spinal cord. The neurological manifestations are versatile, being determined by the variability of the localization and the extension of the demyelination points. However, the lesions have a predilection for certain parts of the central nervous system, resulting in complex signs and symptoms, such as weakness, paraparesis, paresthesia, loss of vision, diplopia, tremor, ataxia, profound sensitivity and bladder dysfunction. The primary symptom in some of the patients consists of weakness or paresthesia, occasionally both, detected at the position of one or more limbs. Usually, there are associated symptoms of limb insensibility and restriction sensations in the trunk and limbs. Multiple sclerosis is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, insomnia. Cases presentation. A group of six patients aged between 16 years to 55 years, with multiple sclerosis, recurrent-remissive form, was divided into the control group and the yoga group. Each patient in both groups was evaluated neurologically, but also on the following scales: Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scales, Expanded Disability Status Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, The Bladder Control Scale and The Bowel Control Scale, Impact of Visual Impairment Scale, Mental Health Inventory and Perceived Deficits Questionnaire Conclusions. Practicing yoga, meditation and outdoor contemplation with landscapes, for a period of six months have beneficial effects in patients with multiple sclerosis, with relapsing-remittent form. These activities improve the patients’ quality of life and quality of cognition.

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis
• yoga
• anxiety
• depression