Social Implications of Medical IllnesssJanuary 14, 2008Introduction:I chose to do my paper on the multiple sclerosis Case II in chapter 3. I find that there is a lot to manage and many obstacles to overcome. Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that is progressive in nature. Most physicians believe that multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks segments of the myelin (protective layer of nerve fibers) in the brains and spinal cord. (Falvo, pg. 104) The symptoms that seem to be most repeated are dizziness, sensory disturbances, including numbness, weakness, and spasticity (lower extremities). They also include unsteadiness, visual problems, poor bowel and bladder control. As the disease matures a person can experience a loss of motor, sensory, intellectual and emotional function.
Case Study II (pg. 119)Ms. L is a 32-year-old female who has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ms. L had sought medial attention for several years before the diagnosis was made because she experienced double vision, weakness in her extremities, and dizziness.
Disease?
English: Detail of plate 4, figure 4 of Pathologic...
English: Main symptoms of Multiple sclerosis. Sour...Because she was also going through a separation and divorce at the same time, her symptoms were attributed to 'stress and depression', and antidepressant medications were prescribed. When her symptoms became worse and additional testing was conducted, the diagnosis was made. The weakness in Ms. L's legs has continued, so that she has some difficulty walking and has collapsed several times. She has significant blurring of vision and she has had some numbness and weakness in her right hand, which is her dominant hand. Ms. L lives alone. She has a Master of Science degree in education and has continued to work as a sixth-grade teacher; although she wonders how much longer she will be able to continue. She is currently in remission; however, she has had exacerbations about...