MS The Disease
Who are the Professionals who Work with Multiple Sclerosis Patients?
Depending on your symptoms, the way your MS progresses and the extent of any physical disability, persons with MS may see a wide range of medical professionals. The people that a person with MS would see most frequently would probably be a neurologist, the GP and/or an MS nurse specialist.
A neurologist is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of MS. Together, a person with MS and the neurologist can discuss the various treatment options to find the best one. In addition, he or she can provide proven strategies for managing the symptoms of MS and provide answers to questions about MS, of which there may be many. Remember, the doctor can be one of the most important resources for providing useful and practical answers to questions about MS.
An MS Nurse Specialist (above) empowers those affected by MS by providing information, support and timely advice about the disease from diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease (ref nd8).
The MS Nurse is pivotal in providing a greater understanding of the condition, and by adopting a holistic, collaborative approach can help those individuals, where possible, to reach their goals of self-management (ref nd8).
Other Professionals that Help People with MS
Because MS can affect many different functions or parts of the body there may be a need, from time to time, to see other healthcare professionals. These may include:
- An ophthalmologist for eye problems, including blurred or double vision or inflammation of the optic nerve.
- A urologist for bladder problems (in addition, men may consult a urologist regarding sexual problems).
- A gynaecologist for female sexual problems.
- A physical therapist for providing and assisting with exercises designed to improve your day-to-day functioning.
There are also many other professionals who can help a person with MS deal more effectively with the physical and social aspects of living with MS. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers can refer persons with MS to professionals with the special expertise to help with a particular issue. Such professionals include:
- A GP for help in managing symptoms and referring you to and liaising with members of the multidisclipinary team (ref nd15).
- A speech therapist for help with communicating.
- An occupational therapist, who can advise people with mobility problems on helpful modifications to the home or work environment.
- A psychologist for help with adapting to life with MS.