AAN 2021 Poster Picks – Day 3
AAN 2021 Poster Picks – Day 2

Poster 033 – Motor Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis from the North American Registry for Care and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (NARCRMS)
Kottil W. Rammohan, MD

Objective: 9-hole peg test (9-HPT) and 25-foot walk (25-FW) function.

Data source: North American Registry for Care and Research in MS (NARCRMS) (N=777).

Results:

• Mean walking speed (n=651): 4.96 sec at EDSS 0; 18.09 seconds at EDSS 6.5.
• Mean 9-HPT (n=647): 19.45 seconds (dominant hand) and 20.46 seconds (non-dominant hand) at EDSS 0; 38.43 seconds (dominant) and 50.88 seconds (non-dominant) at EDSS 6.5.
• Hand function was unimpaired until EDSS 2.0.

Conclusions: Hand function declined occurred earlier than expected and impairment was often not perceived by patients. Hand function declined with every increase in EDSS score and occurred concurrently with impaired lower extremity impairment.

Poster 057 – One in Five (20%) People with Multiple Sclerosis Use Prescription Opioids
Lucinda L. Hugos, PT

Objective: Estimate the prevalence of opioid use in multiple sclerosis patients.

Data source: Questionnaires completed by MS patients enrolled in a U.S. fatigue management study in 2013-2014 (N=282).

Results:

• 58 of 282 (21%) reported using prescription opioids (range 14-25%).
• Among opioid users, 44 of 58 (76%) reported daily use, 10 (17%) used opioids as needed.

Conclusions: A high level of opioid use indicates the need for better pain management treatment options, including non-pharmacological options.

AAN 2021 Poster Picks – Day 3
AAN 2021 Poster Picks – Day 2