There is no cure for MS yet. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) help to cut back how often MS symptoms happen and how bad they are, and some other medications speed up how fast you can recover. Sometimes medicines are used to treat symptoms of MS rather than the MS itself. Keeping stress low, exercising, and getting plenty of rest can also keep MS from flaring up. It is important for people with MS to plan out their day so that they don’t overdo it, because that can set them back for a couple of days while they recover.

Doctors Involved in Care of Multiple Sclerosis

Usually, to diagnose MS, a primary care doctor will send a patient to a neurologist. They may also send their patient to other types of specialists. Here is how each doctor helps their patient:

• Primary Care – This doctor is important for managing a patient’s care and treating common problems, like sore throats. This doctor recognizes problems and orders tests, and sends their patient to doctors who are specialists if their patient has a complicated problem.
• Neurology – The neurologist diagnoses MS by looking at pictures of the brain. He orders and reads other tests, like studies of how well the nerves are working. He treats the symptoms of MS, such as muscle spasms, and watches for flare-ups of symptoms.
• Neuropsychology – The neuropsychologist tests to see how well the patient is able to think. These tests tell us how well they can do things like pay attention and remember information. The neuropsychologist can also recognize emotional problems like depression and make sure these are being treated. Many times, the neuropsychologist makes recommendations for the patient and their family about if the patient can safely keep driving or working given how the MS is affecting their thinking.

Effects on Family Members

Multiple sclerosis can also be stressful for family members. They usually worry about the person who is diagnosed. They might become too protective. All of this can also lead to more arguments. As MS goes along, usually people have to take on different roles and responsibilities in the family, which can be difficult for everyone.

For More Information:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society – 1-800-344-4867
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America – 1-800-532-7667
Above MS (associated with Biogen) – 1-800-456-8855