Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is usually diagnosed in the second or third decade of life. Normally, nerves are enclosed in myelin sheaths that facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses within the CNS and peripheral nervous system throughout the body. In MS patients, the myelin sheath becomes damaged and eventually degenerates, causing patches of scar tissue called plaques or lesions to appear anywhere on the myelin sheath (Ruto, 2013). This leads to altered nerve conductivity, which interferes with the transmission of messages between the brain and other parts of the body. As a result, the transmission of impulses is altered, distorted, short-circuited, or even completely absent. This interference in the transmission of impulses creates muscle weakness, muscle imbalance and eventually muscle spasms with partial or complete paralysis. Multiple sclerosis can also cause visual impairment and cognitive impairment, as well as feelings of pain, numbness, or tingling (Ruto, 2013). MS affects approximately 400,000 people in the United States and approximately 2.1 million worldwide. The average age of onset is between 20 and 40 years, although it can also occur in young children and in people aged 50 and older. The direct and indirect costs of MS-related health care in the United States are estimated to result in approximately $35,000 spent per year per patient. Multiple sclerosis affects women more than men (DeLuca & Nocentini, 2011).Case study patient J.S. is a 25-year-old white female who was admitted to the hospital after having a seizure. JS has had no seizures in the past. After evaluation, JS complains that over the past year she has experienced: blur... middle of paper ...... Physical rehabilitation and pain management. Conclusion Multiple sclerosis is a serious debilitating disease. Usually the illness is mild, but some people lose the ability to write, speak, or walk. There is no single test for MS. Doctors use a medical history, physical exam, neurological exam, MRI, and other tests to diagnose it. There is no cure for MS, but there are medications that slow the progression of the disease. Currently, eight drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Huge progress has been made. Most of these drugs only target the early stage of the disease, not the progressive stages which are more serious. Treatment often depends on the type of MS a person has. References: Ruto, C. (2013). Special needs populations: care of patients with multiple sclerosis. AORN Journal, 98(3), 281-293.