Multiple Sclerosis: Theory and Practice for Nurses

This comprehensive resource examines all aspects of the care of the patient with mulitple sclerosis. It focuses on the themes of: the importance of patient-centred nursing; comprehensive assessment of the person with MS; the wide variation in the course of MS; and the role of the nurse. The early part of the book examines the theory of MS, ie the pathophysiology, the epidemiology, the types of MS and the various diagnostic tests. Practical aspects are included particularly in caring for someone who is going through the process of being diagnosed as having MS. There follows an exploration of the theory and practice of interferon therapies and a review of symptom management using case studies and vignettes. The later chapters discuss the complications of severe MS and the implications for the family and nurse in caring for someone who is severely disabled.