MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple Sclerosis as Ongoing Care Issue and the Aspects of Pain Management



Multiple Sclerosis as Ongoing Care Issue and Aspects of Pain Management

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-long neurological disease characterized by varying levels of disability progressing over a lifetime. The presentation, course and severity of the symptoms experienced by someone with MS and the impact of these on an individual's life and that of his/her family are extremely varied, while the prognosis is uncertain. MS diagnose in the second and third decade of life so that people are typically just getting established in their chosen careers and building homes and families.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, complex, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) (Ward-Abel & Burgoyne, 2008, 212). It is the most common demyelinating neurological disorder affecting young adults in the Western world, and at present, there is no cure (Merskey & Bogduk, 1994, 121). It is estimated that 2.5 million people globally are affected by this extremely varying condition. In the UK, approximately 100 000 people are affected by this autoimmune condition. Women are more commonly diagnosed, at a ratio of 3:1, and the prevalence of MS is rising. Although incurable, extensive clinical research is in progress into this unpredictable disease (Warner & Thomas, 2005). The advancement of immune-modulator therapies, particularly the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in treating MS has offered hope by altering the disease trajectory, reducing relapses and subsequent disability (Havrdova et al., 2010, pp. 3). Therefore, in recent years the prognosis for patients has become more hopeful.

Neurology nurse specialists are members of the multidisciplinary team and play a pivotal role in providing holistic nursing care to people with multiple sclerosis. This includes supporting care by providing information on multiple sclerosis (MS), how best to provide care, emotional support, and referral to other services available for both people with multiple sclerosis and nurses. A carer for a patient with MS is a family member, friend, or other who provides particular care (Warner & Thomas, 2005, 747). The purpose of this review is to determine the role of nurse specialists in multiple sclerosis (NSMS) in providing care and aspects of pain management as an issue within this aspect of ongoing care.

MS is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which can present as a severe or progressive neurological impairment. The number and type of symptoms present varies between individuals. According to an estimate, there are over 100 000 people diagnosed with MS in the UK and over 7000 in Ireland (Merskey & Bogduk, 1994, 124). Patient with MS and their carers can avail of a number of services including the neurologist, general practitioner, multiple sclerosis nurse specialist, members of the multidisciplinary team, community nurses and voluntary organizations, such as MS societies and carer organizations. Despite the range of support services available, internationally, carers continue to have similar unmet needs. The dynamic nature of the disease and the psychosocial, economic, and physical implications of MS call for ongoing skill development and up-to-date information on ...