Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and progressive disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, which leads to scarring and decreased nerve conduction. It most commonly occurs in people between 20-40 years old, affects 1 in 1000 people, and is possibly an autoimmune disorder or viral exposure. Symptoms include weakness, impaired vision, fatigue, and loss of coordination. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, preserving function, and maximizing quality of life through exercise, nutrition, medication management, and therapy.

1. Multiple Sclerosis
Marnelle Joy S. Pulmano, BSN, RN

2. OVERVIEW OF MS

3. Definition
• A chronic and progressive disorder of the
brain and spinal cord
• Caused by damage to the myelin sheath
(white matter)
• Destruction of the myelin sheath leads to
scarring (sclerosis), which decreases and
eventually blocks nerve conduction

4. Incidence
• Affects 1 out of 1000 people
• Occurs more often in women

5. Onset
• Most commonly between 20 and 40 years old

6. Etiology
• Unknown
• Possibly an autoimmune disorder or exposure
to a virus

7. Clinical
Findings
• Weakness
• Paresis or paralysis of one or more limbs
• Myoclonus
– Involuntary muscle jerks
• Impaired or double vision
• Eye and facial pain

8. Clinical
Findings
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Decreased coordination
• Loss of balance

9. NURSING FOCUS

10. • Goal of Therapy:
– To control symptoms
– Preserve function
– Maximize quality of life

11. • Perform or arrange for ROM exercises to be
done 2x a day
• Assess skin for breakdown
• Perform routine skin care

12. PATIENT TEACHING

13. • Provide patient and family with literature on
MS
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle:
– Exercise to maintain good muscle tone
– Good nutrition
– Plenty of rest and relaxation

14. • Stress the importance of avoiding stress and
fatigue
• Depending on progression of MS, arrange for
occupational, physical, and speech therapy

15. • Explain the actions, dosages, side effects, and
adverse reaction of all meds
– Steroids
– Immunosuppressant therapy
– Antiviral agents
– Muscle relaxants
– Antidepressants