RELATED TOPIC:
Nursing Knowledge
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the CNS. The immune system attacks nerve fibers and the myelin sheathing that surrounds and insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation and scarring result in impaired nerve impulse transmission.
The cause of MS is not entirely known, and it's likely influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The first signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary greatly among individuals because the location and severity of each attack can differ. Common initial symptoms include:
Over time, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged. As the disease progresses, individuals with MS may experience increased difficulty with walking and mobility, greater levels of fatigue, more problems with balance and coordination, and increased cognitive, bowel, and bladder issues. However, the progression of MS is highly individual, and not everyone will experience all symptoms or the same level of disability.
MS forms can be categorized according to their patterns of symptoms in disease progression:
Most people affected by MS have a normal or near-normal life expectancy; however, complications from severe MS may affect life expectancy (e.g. infections).
No single test reliably diagnoses multiple sclerosis.
Supporting tests:
There is no cure for MS. Management of multiple sclerosis aims to slow disease progression, speed up recovery from attacks, maintain functional state/range of motion and emotional/mental health, and improve quality of life by addressing symptoms.
Potential nursing diagnoses of MS:
While MS is typically diagnosed in adults, it can also occur in children and adolescents. Pediatric MS might present similarly to adult MS with symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, imbalance, vision problems, and fatigue. However, children may have additional challenges, including seizures and prominent cognitive issues, which can affect school performance and social development. They might also have a higher relapse rate than adults with MS, but they tend to recover better from each relapse. Pediatric MS requires a specialized approach to care, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the developmental, educational, and psychosocial aspects.
RELATED TOPIC:
Free Download
Master the topic with a unique study combination of a concise summary paired with video lectures.
USMLE™ is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). NCLEX®, NCLEX-RN®, and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN®). None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Lecturio.
Your free account gives you access to:
or
