ABSTRACT
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common nontraumatic neurological condition of early to middle adulthood, and the most common demyelinating condition. Other demyelinating conditions include concentric sclerosis (also known as Balo's disease), Schilder's disease, Devic's disease, central pontine myelinolysis, and Marchiafava-Bignami disease. This chapter reviews common sequelae associated with MS, especially focusing on neurocognitive impairments and emotional difficulties including depression and anxiety. Early MS symptoms are variable, but the most common initial symptoms include muscle weakness, paresthesias (i.e., numbness and tingling in the limbs, trunk, or face), gait/balance problems, and visual disturbances. The chapter includes practical suggestions for neuropsychological assessment and for the assessment of depression. Neuropsychologists can play a critical role in the assessment and treatment of cognitive and emotional difficulties in MS. Simple attention span is usually intact in MS patients, but mild impairments are sometimes found. The chapter provides some evidence-based suggestions that can optimize patient care.
