MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

MS: Perception and Coordination

Description Risk Factors/ Cause

An immune-mediated, progressive The cause of MS is unknown and is an area of ongoing research. Autoimmune activity results in
demyelinating disease of the CNS. demyelination, but the sensitized antigen has not been identified. Genetic factors are considered as
risk factor in MS.
Pathophysiology
Sensitized T cells remain in the CNS and promote the infiltration of other agents that damage the immune system. The immune system attack
leads to inflammation that destroys mostly the white matter of the CNS myelin and the oligodendroglial cells that produce myelin in the CNS.
Demyelination interrupts the flow of nerve impulses and results in a variety of manifestations, depending on the nerves affected. Plaques
appear on demyelinated axons, further interrupting the transmission of impulses. Demyelinated axons are scattered irregularly throughout the
CNS.
Signs and Symptoms
Fatigue Numbness Pain Total blindness
Depression Difficulty in coordination Visual disturbances due to lesions in the optic nerves Loss of balance
Weakness Spasticity Diplopia
Diagnostic Tests Treatment
 Clinical Imaging Medical Treatment Diet and Nutrition Surgical
(MRI Scan)  Refer to Nutritionist  Increased fluid intake  Implantation of an intrathecal baclofen
 Laboratory  Refer to if having UTI pump or a deep brain stimulator
Findings Ophthalmologist  Rhizotomy
(Electrophoresis  Refer to Neurologist  Gastrostomy
of CSF)

Pharmacologic Treatment
 Disease Modification  Symptom Management
o Interferon beta-1a and interferon beta-1b o Baclofen, Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam), tizanidine, and
o Glatiramer acetate dantrolene for spasticity
o Teriflunomide, fingolimod, and dimethyl fumarate o amantadine, pemoline, or dalfampridine for ADL interference
o IV methylprednisolone o beta-andregergic blockers, gabapentin, and benzodiazepines for
o IV mitoxantrone ataxia
o anticholinergic agents, alpha-adrenergic blockers, antispasmodic
agents for bladder and bowel problems

Complications
Ataxia Emotional Bladder, bowel, Constipation Contracture Dependent Osteoporosis
lability and sexual pedal edema
dysfunctions
Tremor Euphoria. Urinary tract Pressure injury Deformities Pneumonia Emotional, social, marital,
infections economic, and vocational
(UTIs) problems

Nursing Management
Promote Exercise Strengthen coping mechanisms
Prevent falls Monitor any potential complications
Manage Fatigue Promote home, community-based, and transitional care

References
Dhingra, H. (2022, May 16). Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Retrieved from Rare Disease Advisor: https://www.rarediseaseadvisor.com/hcp-
resource/multiple-sclerosis-surgery/

Hinkle, J., Cheever, K., & Overbaugh, K. (2022). Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 15th Edition. Philadelphia: Wolters
Kluwer.

Christian Kyle C. Santos

BSN – 3A