Consumer Resources
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, typically referred to as MS and sometimes sclerosis multiple, is a significant health challenge that occurs due to a faulty response from the body’s immune system. Instead of protecting the central nervous system, incorrect signals cause the immune system to attack it. The spinal cord, optic nerves, and the brain make up the central nervous system.
Myelin located within the central nervous system is the typical target of immune system attacks. This term describes that fatty substance surrounding nerve fibers that normally keep them insulated. Over time, the ongoing immune system attacks on the body’s myelin and its associated nerve fibers lead to the development of scar tissue known as sclerosis.
The symptoms of MS, such as walking difficulty, spasticity, fatigue, and weakness happen when myelin sheaths or nerve fibers destroy nerve impulses. They can also experience damage when traveling from the brain to the spinal cord. A doctor may diagnose one of four types of multiple sclerosis, including Clinically Isolated Syndrome, Primary-Progressive, Relapsing-Remitting, and Secondary-Progressive.
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Request to be Contacted Find a Local DealerHow Power Wheelchairs Can Help People Living with MS
Mobility eventually becomes challenging for 30 percent of people with MS. A power wheelchair for multiple sclerosis can be extremely useful for people who fatigue easily and have limited strength due to having sclerosis multiple. Quantum considers these challenges and has developed technologies specific to helping those living with multiple sclerosis. The Edge 3 Power Chair is compatible with Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, which is customizable and expandable. An individual living with multiple sclerosis may start out using a joystick to operate their power chair, and as their condition progresses, specialty drive controls can be added, allowing the user to operate the power chair with a single finger.
The iLevel® Power Wheelchair from Quantum
Two of the most commonly expressed frustrations of people who use wheelchairs are the inability to be eye level with others and reach for items from a seated position. With iLevel® Wheelchairs for multiple sclerosis, everyday functions become easier due to the ability to raise the seat up to 12 inches and drive at 4.5 mph while elevated. iLevel greatly increases social inclusion for power wheelchair users and gives them confidence.
You or a loved one may be a good candidate for iLevel if you struggle with these tasks:
- Transferring from the bed, toilet, your vehicle, or other surfaces to your power wheelchair
- Traveling safely through crowds or crossing the street due to obstructed vision
- Chronic neck pain from looking up from the seated position in a wheelchair
- Reaching things around the home and in the community such as light switches, shelves, fire alarms, door peepholes, elevator buttons, sinks, and microwaves
How to Purchase Quantum Pediatric Wheelchairs
If you feel that a power wheelchair could help you or a close family member who is living with multiple sclerosis, the first step is to schedule an in-person evaluation with your physician or therapist. The reason for the doctor evaluation is to determine if you qualify for a power wheelchair. If your physician thinks you would benefit from a power chair, a prescription is written.
You should expect your provider to take measurements to ensure the right fit for your new chair. After obtaining a prescription, use the Quantum dealer lookup tool to find a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider near you where you can obtain a power wheelchair. Representatives for the DME provider can assist you in navigating private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement of your power chair.