Multiple Sclerosis: National Clinical Guideline for Diagnosis and Management in Primary and Secondary Care

Excerpt

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that usually starts in early adult life. Once present the disease never goes; there is no cure and the person lives with the condition for life but a significant proportion of people have few or no problems. The impact of MS on the individual is variable but one constant feature is uncertainty. The condition also has an impact on family members.

Many people with MS may need to make extensive use of health services and social services. Consequently, the aim of this guideline is to ensure that people with MS benefit from a coherent and consistent response from services, to minimise their problems as far as can be achieved.