March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) awareness month.
MS is an autoimmune disease affecting nearly 1 million people in the U.S., with women at higher risk. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it occurs when the immune system attacks the brain and nerves, likely due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms can vary, leading to a long journey to diagnosis. Once diagnosed, it can be both a relief and a scary time, prompting many questions.
If you’ve received an MS diagnosis, it’s vital to have a trusted neurologist oversee your care. To help guide your discussions, here are 10 questions to ask post-diagnosis:
- What type of MS do I have?
- Is MS fatal or will it affect my life expectancy?
- Is MS hereditary?
- Will I develop new MS symptoms over time?
- Will my MS symptoms worsen over time?
- What tests will I need and how often?
- What MS treatments are available?
- What are the potential side effects of recommended medications?
- Will my MS treatment remain the same throughout my life?
- How will my life change, and how can I prepare for those changes?
Resources:
– HealthyWomen’s MS Support Finder
– National MS Society — Find Support
This educational resource received support from Novartis.
