Description

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata, is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. Τhis damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including physical, spiritual and sometimes psychiatric problems.

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to identify the general profile of multiple sclerosis. It also refers to the appearance of the disease in children and its consequences on their health.

Method: A review of the Greek and international literature on the subject was performed through the electronic databases Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus and the Association of Greek Academic Libraries Link (Heal-Link), using as key words the following terms: multiple sclerosis (MS), symptoms, effects.

Results: Patients with MS face a host of daily challenges that are directly or indirectly associated with the disease and they are extended to all areas of personal and social life. The emotional stress due to the disease may be also more painful than the physical consequences. The way in which the family is facing the challenge has a big impact not only on the health, but also on the adaptation of the patient to the disease, especially when the patient is a child.

Conclusion: MS therefore, is a disease that affects the whole family as well as the professionals and it can cause feelings of unhappiness inside the patient’s family. Children also often feel isolated, as they believe that nobody gives attention to their needs. They should be informed about their disease in a way appropriate for their age.

Key-words: multiple sclerosis, symptoms, effects