Multiple Sclerosis: Moving Beyond Physical and Neurological Implications Into Family Counseling

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable central nervous system disorder characterized by an attack against the central nervous system (brain, spinal chord, and optic nerves). Variations in physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms, including the potential presence of numbness or tingling, memory loss, depression, and even sexual dysfunction, require family counselors to become familiar with the medical aspects of MS, possible symptoms, and the necessary steps for an individual to receive appropriate psychological treatment. An overview of the medical aspects of MS, gender and cultural factors, prognosis, and individual, couple, and family dynamics, as well as treatment considerations of MS, are presented. An illustrative case study is provided.