Multiple sclerosis: Medical and psychosocial aspects, etiology, incidence, and prevalence

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rumrill Jr., Phillip D.

Affiliations: Kent State University, Center for Disability Studies, 413 White Hall, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242-0001, USA. Tel.: +1 330 672 0600; Fax: +1 330 672 2512; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This article provides an overview of the etiology, incidence, and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common neurological disorders in the world. The author describes the demographic characteristics of people who incur MS, discusses the auto-immune processes that cause damage to the central nervous system, reports the most frequently occurring symptoms, and presents treatment and symptom management strategies that have proven efficacious in reducing the extent of disability associated with this chronic and unpredictable disease.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, medical and psychological aspects, chronic illness

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-2009-476

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 75-82, 2009