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Relative with MS? Making the Most of a Visit to the Doctor

Here is a list of questions about multiple sclerosis (MS) that you or your relative might wish to take with you when visiting the doctor. The questions are intended to help you organise your thoughts and have a fruitful discussion about MS, its symptoms, the different treatment options and ways you can manage things to enjoy the best quality of life.

You may also find it helpful to take a notebook and pen/pencil with you. Making notes can help you obtain answers to most of the questions you will have. It also allows you to digest the information after the appointment is over, at your own pace.

  • What types of symptoms are usually associated with MS?
  • Are these symptoms permanent?
  • What are the different forms of MS?
  • How do they differ?
  • What is the natural course of MS?
  • How does it progress?
  • How often will I or my relative need to see you or other doctors or healthcare professionals?
  • Will having MS change my or my relative's lifestyle?
  • Will I or my relative be able to carry on working?
  • Where can I or my relative obtain advice and support on living with MS?
  • What treatments are available for MS?
  • How do they work?
  • Do any of these treatments change the natural course of the disease?
  • In what other ways can MS drug treatments help?
  • Why are MS drug treatments given by injection?
  • What trials have been done to support the use of MS treatments?
  • What types of patients were in these trials? Were the results repeated in clinical practice?
  • What are the most important things to think about when choosing an MS treatment?
  • What are the long-term factors I or my relative should think about before deciding on a plan for managing my MS?
  • What non-drug and therapist support is available?
  • Are there other trials studying other drugs for MS?
  • Am I or my relative eligible to take part in any of these trials?
  • What has been the experience of patients on long-term treatment for MS?

Did you know?

How MS affects you will be very different to how it affects someone else.

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Page last updated: 19 Dec 2008

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