MS affects everyone differently. Each person with MS requires a coordinated planning process that includes an assessment of any problems, goal setting and identification of appropriate treatment regimens, as well as education and support to empower the person to maintain (and regain) life activities.1
In addition to your GP and your neurologist, an MS nurse may be part of your healthcare team. MS nurses play a key role in the support of people with MS. They can provide you with information about MS and the different treatments, they can provide support and counselling, and they can help you monitor your response to your medication, including any side effects.2
There are many other healthcare professionals that can help both in the remission phases and during and after a relapse. These include:
- Physiotherapist – Can help manage leg weakness, gait problems and balance and coordination and teach you stretching and strengthening exercises
- Exercise physiologist – Can design an exercise plan, and teach you how to safely perform the exercises
- Occupational therapist – Can show you ways to make daily tasks easier
- Speech pathologist – Can evaluate and help with any speech and swallowing difficulties
- Cognitive therapist – Can help with any problems with thinking and memory
- Psychologist – Can help with thoughts and feelings
You can ask your doctor or nurse to help you connect with other healthcare professionals.
Healthcare professionals who can help people with MS
MS Australia has developed a handy tool called the Service Compass, which can help you to identify the support you may need and connect to a healthcare professional
MS Clinics provide specialist diagnosis and treatment of people with MS and are located throughout Australia. Head over to the MS Australia website to find your closest clinic.
References:
- Kesselring J. Eur Neurological Rev 2017;12(1):31-36.
- MS Australia. MS nurses. https://www.msaustralia.org.au/nurses/ (last updated 2023).