Multiple Sclerosis Care - A Practical Manual is a concise and easy to use reference source for all aspects of care in the management and understanding of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is useful for all health professionals involved in the care of people with MS, including hospital doctors and GPs, therapists and social workers. It takes account of the latest scientific evidence and guidelines in the management of MS, and takes a practical and pragmatic approach to the evaluation of controversial aspects of MS care. The book is divided into five sections, beginning with background information on MS history. The second section concentrates on the diagnosis of MS, while the third deals with ongoing management of the condition. Part four provides practical advice on auditing and service evaluation, and finally, the book lists additional resources, websites, charities and other useful information. Each aspect of MS is easy to access, with simple line diagrams and tables, as well as examples of investigations, including MR scans. The book offers handy, easy to use information for practical and scientific information about MS. The handbook has been written by a neurologist, physiotherapist and specialist nurse, all leaders in their field, who are all involved in both MS research and active service delivery to people affected by the disease.

Table of Contents:
Background 1: The history of Multiple Sclerosis 2: Multiple Sclerosis pathology 3: Immunology of Multiple Sclerosis 4: Multiple Sclerosis definitions and disease classification 5: Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis 6: Genetics of Multiple Sclerosis 7: Measuring Multiple Sclerosis 8: Frequently used assessment scales 9: How to measure treatment effectiveness 10: How to determine whether treatments are effective The diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis 11: General points on making a diagnosis 12: Sites of Multiple Sclerosis attack and clinically isolated syndromes 13: Investigation for possible Multiple Sclerosis 14: Conveying the diagnosis Treatment Options 15: Treatments that may affect the underlying cause of Multiple Sclerosis 16: Treatment of relapses 17: Other treatments Ongoing Management 18: Principles of ongoing management 19: The role of the MS nurse 20: Guided self management 21: Comprehensive assessment of needs 22: A multidisciplinary team approach to management 23: Providing ongoing support 24: Rehabilitation concepts and principles 25: Approaches to rehabilitation 26: Models of care and organisation of delivery 27: Specialist regional services 28: Local services 29: Long-term support 30: Symptomatic management 31: Psychosocial issues 32: Complementary and alternative therapies 33: Mobility issues 34: Assistive aids and equipment, adaptations and personal support 35: Evaluation of services 36: Integrated care pathways 37: Core competencies of staff 38: Other useful resources