This course provides physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers with a review of the pathogenesis, clinical expression, diagnosis, and management of multiple sclerosis. Clinical care topics include treatment of acute exacerbations, therapeutic options for disease modification, and management of common symptoms and complications. The purpose of this course is to address knowledge gaps, enhance clinical skills, and improve quality of care and treatment outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Describe the risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS).
2. Define the etiology and pathophysiology of MS.
3. Identify common signs and symptoms of MS.
4. Distinguish between the various MS disease courses, including relapsing-remitting, primary progressive, and secondary progressive subtypes.
5. Compare and contrast early-onset and late-onset MS.
6. Apply diagnostic criteria and select appropriate tests used to confirm the diagnosis of MS.
7. Assess the conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MS.
8. Select an appropriate treatment regimen for acute exacerbations of MS.
9. Discuss the role of disease-modifying therapy in the management of MS, including the expected benefit, mode of action, and selection of options available.
10. Anticipate and manage the various symptoms common to patients with active MS.
11. Devise a management plan for the patient with MS who is, or wishes to become, pregnant.
This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.
