(^238) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness or unsteadiness
- Unsteady gait due to muscle weakness and general unsteadiness
- Intolerance of temperature changes
- Ataxia (decrease in motor coordination, gross motor movements)
- Increased deep tendon reflexes
- Slurred speech
- Burning tingling on the skin (paresthesia)
- Paralysis later in disease state
- Memory loss; loss of attention or mental focus
- Urinary urgency or hesitancy due to changes in sphincter control
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Increased immunoglobulin G (IgG) in cerebral spinal fluid.
- MRI shows demyelination and CNS plaques.
- CT scan shows increased density of white matter or plaque formation.
TREATMENT
- Use one of the following Biologic Response Modifiers on a continuous
basis, not just during periods of exacerbation:- interferon beta-1a
- interferon beta-1b
- glatiramer acetate
- Administer immunosuppressants—may be helpful for secondary progres-
sive MS:- cyclophosphamide
- azathioprine
- methotrexate
- cladribine
- mitoxantrone