Rationale for Correct Answer
The correct answer is: An adaptable, configurable functional electronic stimulation (FES) device is FDA-approved to aid with walking in patients with foot drop
An adaptable, configurable form of leg FES - Cionic Neural Sleeve™ - has received FDA approval as a medical device for improving gait in patients with foot drop, including those with MS. It stimulates both the dorsiflexor and evertor muscles of the leg and is customizable for different gaits.1
In clinical trials, dalfampridine improved clinician-measured walking speed (T25FW) and patient-reported symptoms (MSWS).2,3 Dalfampridine is the only pharmacologic agent approved for the treatment of walking or impaired gait in patients with MS; intrathecal baclofen and oral gabapentin and pregabalin are not.4
References:
1. Robison J et al. medRxiv. 2022.04.27.22273623; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.04.27.22273623
2. Goodman AD et al. Mult Scler. 2015;21:1322-1331.
3. Hobart J et al. CNS Drugs. 2019;33:61-79.
4. Fernandez O et al. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2012;5:649-665.