MS treatment: Working with your neurologist

To get the most from your MS treatment, you should know 5 key facts. In "MS treatment: Start early and stick with it" we talked about the first 2 of these. MS treatment facts 3, 4, and 5 will help you work with your neurologist to make sure you are on an appropriate multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment.

Fact #3: It's important to take an active role in your treatment.

This means:

• Take your medication as directed by your doctor, even when you aren't having noticeable symptoms.
• Keep track of how your treatment is working and any questions or concerns you have (use the Treatment Check-Up tool to help you).
• Have regular follow-up visits with your neurologist to discuss your MS treatment.
• Talk to your neurologist if you have questions or concerns (to learn more, read the next section).

Fact #4: It's normal to feel a bit nervous about talking to your neurologist.

To help you get more comfortable:

• Write out the key points you want to communicate.
• Practice saying them before your appointment.
• Have a friend or family member pretend to be your neurologist and practice discussing your key points.
• Remember that as the expert on your own symptoms and experience with MS treatment, you have something valuable to bring to the discussion.

Fact #5: Knowing some key medical terms can help you talk to your neurologist.

Here is a simple explanation of some medical terms your neurologist may use when talking about your MS treatment:

• Disability progression: Worsening of disability due to MS.
• Relapse rate: Number of relapses in a given period of time.
• Brain lesions: Areas of the brain damaged by MS. Helps measure MS disease activity (MS can cause damage even when you have no symptoms).
• Brain atrophy: Brain shrinkage caused by MS – related to problems with thinking, memory, and planning associated with MS.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging – a test that provides a picture of the brain. On an MRI, your neurologist can look for brain lesions and brain atrophy.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/5-Things-You-Should-Know-About-MS-Treatment