Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is considered an autoimmune response because the immune system attacks the myelin layers of the central nervous system. These attacks can occur anywhere in the brain and spinal cord. The results are areas of hardening in the myelin layers that prevent the communication of nerve impulses at designated locations. As a consequence of the malfunction of the myelin layers, the nervous system slows down the response to stimuli. (Zawada, 2010) Etiology Multiple sclerosis is a disease that has existed for centuries. However, to date there is no known cause or known cure for this disease. After many years of research there are several theories that investigators have thought about the cause of MS, but have not been able to prove it. The most suspected reason is viruses. (Naff, 2009) Other causes could be genetic factors and geographical areas. Symptoms Symptoms of MS vary depending on the location of the lesion. Symptoms include spasticity, double vision, tremors, fatigue, numbness, dizziness, dizziness, urinary and bowel control, among others. All these symptoms affect the patient in everyday life. (Shapiro, 1994) When spasticity occurs, different groups of muscles in the body become stiff. Patients experience difficulty carrying out activities of daily living due to lack of control and energy. There are several alternatives for managing spasticity depending on the degree to which it affects the patient. Physical therapy, independent stretching, and antispasmodic medications are methods of addressing mild to moderate symptoms. When symptoms worsen, the patient has the option of undergoing surgery or a contracture. None of these will help... half of the document......n/nclsm?url=%22http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=67550192&site=ehost -live%22Fallon , L.F. (2002). Multiple sclerosis. In The Gale Encylopedia of Nursing and Allied Health (Vol. 3, pp. 1617-1622). Detroit: Gale. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CCX3405900543&v=2.1&u=ncliveftcc&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=wNaff, C. (Ed.). (2009). Perspective on diseases and disorders; Multiple sclerosis (1st ed.). Detroit, MI: Gale Cengage Learning.Shapiro, R. (1994). Symptom management in multiple sclerosis (2nd ed.). New York: Demo Publishing. Zawada, W. M. (2010). Multiple sclerosis. In T. Irons-Georges (ed.), Magill's Medical Guide (6 ed.). Pasadena: Salem Press. Retrieved from http://health.salempress.com/doi/full/10.3331/MMG06_17261351620?prevSearch=Multiple%2BSclerosis&searchHistoryKey=&queryHash=b24e0769c48e929d6c24840e57b7e397