Nursing is a critical element in meeting the multiple needs of the multiple sclerosis (MS) patient and family. MS nurses have evolved from home-based care providers giving support to the disabled person to certified MS nurses and advanced practice nurses who must be well educated in the disease process and the available treatments. In addition, MS nurses must be sensitive to and supportive of the emotional needs of those affected by the disease. MS nurses must provide appropriate education regarding the disease process, treatment regimes, symptom management, and community resources. This core curriculum was developed for use by all nurses preparing to take the certification examination in MS nursing given under the auspices of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN), whose mission is to establish and perpetuate a specialized branch of nursing in multiple sclerosis; to establish standards of nursing care in multiple sclerosis; to support multiple sclerosis nursing research; to educate the health care community about the disease; and to disseminate this knowledge throughout the world. It summarizes in outline form the basic concepts of multiple sclerosis and MS nursing. It has been developed to be a companion to Halper/Holland, Comprehensive Nursing Care in Multiple Sclerosis, 2nd Edition and Halper, Advanced Concepts in Multiple Sclerosis Nursing Care. Each chapter provides relevant information as well as references for further study. Readers will learn about the history of MS, as well as the current theories regarding the immunologic basis for the disease. Pharmacologic strategies that include treatment for acute attacks, immunomodulating therapies, and symptomatic therapies are discussed, as are nonpharmacologic interventions.
