A Snapshot of Your Healthcare Team When You Have MS

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) means developing a strong relationship with your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They can work with you to manage your symptoms, slow the disease course, and cope with day-to-day challenges. The following are the important members of your healthcare team:

• Neurologist (or in some situations it may be a nurse practitioner or physician assistant): Diagnoses and treats MS and other neurologic diseases.

  
  



• Nurse: Provides education and support for all treatment issues.

  
  



• Primary care physician: Manages non-MS health issues and preventive care.

  
  



• Rehabilitation specialists: Promote independence, safety, and quality of life. For example, consider the following:

  
  
  
  

  • Physiatrist: A physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine.

    
    
  
  

  • Physical therapist: Promotes strength, mobility, and balance through exercise and training in the use of mobility aids.

    
    
  
  

  • Occupational therapist: Promotes function in activities of daily living via energy management, assistive technology, and environmental modifications (may also treat cognitive symptoms).

    
    
  
  

  • Speech/language pathologist: Diagnoses and treats problems with voice quality, speech, and swallowing (may also treat cognitive symptoms).

    
    
  
  

  • Vocational rehabilitation counselor: Assists with career planning and retraining.

    
    
  
  
  
  



• Mental health professionals: Provide diagnosis, treatment, and support for a wide range of emotional issues, as well as education for stress management, goal-setting, and problem-solving strategies.

  
  
  
  

  • Psychiatrist: A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems.

    
    
  
  

  • Psychotherapist (psychologist, social worker, counselor): Provides counseling, information, and support for individuals and families.

    
    
  
  

  • Neuropsychologist: Diagnoses and treats cognitive symptoms.

    
    
  
  
  
  



• Additional medical specialists: Provide specialized expertise in medical areas that may be impacted by MS or are of particular interest to folks with MS.

  
  
  
  

  • Neuroophthalmologist: A physician specializing in neurologically related visual symptoms.

    
    
  
  

  • Urologist: A physician specializing in urinary problems and male sexual function.

    
    
  
  

  • *Obstetrician/gynecologist: A physician specializing in women’s reproductive care.

    
    
  
  
  
  

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Source:http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/a-snapshot-of-your-healthcare-team-when-you-have-m.html