Scheinberg L, Smith C R
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York.
Neurol Clin. 1987 Nov;5(4):585-600.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases capable of producing severe disability in the young adult population. In fact, only rheumatic disorders and trauma exceed MS in this respect. Because the total population of patients in the United States is probably 250,000 to 500,000 and as a substantial number suffer severe disability, MS is a disease of considerable social and economic impact. The authors discuss the treatment of many of the most troubling symptoms of MS, including disorders of gait, bladder and bowel, upper extremities, speech, and deglutition. Such treatment entails careful assessment of the patient's neurologic and other symptoms; knowledge of his or her intellectual, emotional, and social skills and demands; and an understanding of the patient's support network.
多发性硬化症（MS）是能够在年轻成年人群中导致严重残疾的最常见疾病之一。事实上，在这方面只有风湿性疾病和创伤超过了MS。由于美国患者的总数可能在25万至50万之间，而且相当一部分患者患有严重残疾，因此MS是一种具有相当大社会和经济影响的疾病。作者讨论了MS许多最令人困扰的症状的治疗方法，包括步态、膀胱和肠道、上肢、言语及吞咽障碍。这种治疗需要仔细评估患者的神经和其他症状；了解其智力、情感和社交技能及需求；并理解患者的支持网络。
