Ms treatment
Although there is still no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), today it is a highly treatable condition. MS treatment consists of 3 basic components:- Halting or slowing the natural course of the disease (disease-modifying therapy)
- Reducing the length and frequency of relapses
- Controlling specific symptoms as they occur
Find the Right Specialist
If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), it’s important to find a doctor you are comfortable with and trust. Because MS is a chronic disease, you may see this physician regularly and for a long time, so being at ease with your doctor is important.Many MS patients see a neurologist. A neurologist may work with a multidisciplinary team, which can include nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and others. Such a team has the experience to treat the varied symptoms of MS. You might consider looking for a neurologist affiliated with a hospital.
Another specialist you could see is a physiatrist, or a physician who specializes in rehabilitative medicine. A physiatrist can prescribe medication, but his or her specialty is physical exercises designed to improve mobility and function.
You may find the list below helpful when searching for a doctor.
Credentials and experience
- How long has he or she treated MS patients?
- How many MS patients in the practice?
Insurance
- Does your health insurance cover this doctor?
- Does he or she accept Medicare and/or Medicaid?
- What hospital is the doctor affiliated with?
Communication and visits
- During a visit, do you see a nurse or another specialist?
- How quickly are calls returned?
- Who takes over when the doctor is out of town?
- Is the practice bilingual or multilingual (if that is a concern for you)?
Support staff
- Does the staff receive MS training?
Office accommodations
- Is the office fully accessible to people with disabilities?
- Are wheelchairs or scooters available?
- Is there any handicapped parking?
