Multiple Sclerosis

Every day physicians are faced with the challenge of delivering the grave diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS affects an estimated 400,000 people in the United States. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It’s a chronic, incurable and often disabling disease. Onset of the disease is usually between the ages of 20-45, with a clear prevalence to women. However, it has been increasingly recognized that MS can present in childhood or adolescence. According to Disability A Diversity Model Approach in Human Service Practice MS is an “Acquired Mobility-Related Disability”.
MS is caused by damage to the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When the covering for the nerve is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop, it essentially disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the bodies own immune cells attack the nervous system. The exact cause is unknown. It’s suggested that it could be genetics, a virus, or the environment. “MS has an interesting environmental characteristic. It is rare in tropical climates and is very common in persons of Western European descent who live in temperature zones above 400 north and below 400 south.” (Mackelprang, 2009, pp. 186 Chap. 6)
Popular Science published an article “Possible Link Found Between Bacterium And Multiple Sclerosis” it was a follow-up research to a October 2013 study in PLOS ONE which for the first time identified this pathogen in a human; a young woman with MS. The mice was infected with a bacteria (Clostridium perfringens type B) and showed brain damage sim...

... middle of paper ...

..., as well as an understanding and supportive environment can help the process along.
Social workers or other counseling services help to cope with the disorder and can be a resource for financial, health and general information. The medical model approach to chronic health conditions are directed at addressing the symptoms and psychosocial adjustments. As a Social Worker you would want to empower your client with a more social model approach, in which people with chronic health conditions have control over their treatment decisions, help with the development of personal life skills and address societal implications. Managing MS is an ongoing process, beginning with the very first symptoms and continuing throughout the disease course. It’s essential that the patient care involves collaboration and teamwork between the patient, Social Worker and health professionals.