Respiratory Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Respiratory dysfunction frequently occurs in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS), and may manifest as acute or chronic respiratory failure, disordered control of breathing, respiratory muscle weakness, sleep disordered breathing, or neurogenic pulmonary edema. The underlying pathophysiology is related to demyelinating plaques involving the brain stem or spinal cord. Respiratory complications such as aspiration, lung infections and respiratory failure are typically seen in patients with long-standing MS. Acute respiratory failure is uncommon and due to newly appearing demyelinating plaques extensively involving areas of the brain stem or spinal cord. Early recognition of MS patients at risk for respiratory complications allows for the timely implementation of care and measures to decrease disease associated morbidity and mortality.