March is MS Awareness Month
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S., with women at higher risk than men. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but the disorder occurs when your immune system attacks your brain and nerves, likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, come and go, and may also resemble those of other disorders, making the diagnostic process lengthy.
Read: MS FAQs >>
Once you finally receive a diagnosis, it can be a relief to have an answer, but it can also be a terrifying time filled with a unique set of uncertainties.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with MS, it’s important to see a neurologist you trust to oversee your care. But it can be hard to remember what you want to ask when you’re in the office, so we’ve compiled a list for you to take along.
Here are 10 questions you should ask your neurologist after an MS diagnosis.
- What type of MS do I have?
- Is MS fatal or will it shorten my lifespan?
- Is MS hereditary?
- Will I develop new MS symptoms over time?
- Will my MS symptoms worsen over time?
- What kind of tests will I need and how often?
- What treatments are available for MS?
- What are the potential side effects of any medication you recommend for me?
- Will I have the same MS treatment for life?
- How will my life change and how can I best prepare for those changes?
Resources
HealthyWomen’s MS Support Locator
National MS Society: Find Support
This educational resource was prepared with the support of Novartis
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