March is MS Awareness Month.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects almost 1 million people in the US, and women are in higher risk That men. Although we still don’t know exactly What causes MS?The disease occurs when your immune system attacks your brain and nerves, most likely due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, come and go, and also mimic other conditions, so the road to getting a diagnosis can be long.
Read: Frequently asked questions about MS >>
Once you finally receive the diagnosis, it can be a relief to have an answer, but it can also be a scary time that comes with its own set of questions.
If you have recently been diagnosed with MS, it is important to see a neurologist you can 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 put together a list you can take with you.
Here are 10 questions to ask your neurologist after an MS diagnosis.
- What type of MS do I have?
- Is MS fatal or will it shorten my life expectancy?
- Is MS hereditary?
- Will I have new MS symptoms over time?
- Will my MS symptoms get worse over time?
- What type of tests will I need and how often?
- What are the treatments available for MS?
- What are the possible side effects of any medication you recommend?
- Will I have the same MS treatment my entire life?
- How will my life change and how can I best prepare for those changes?
Resources
HealthyWomen MS Support Finder
National MS Society: Find Support
This educational resource was created with the support of Novartis.
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