Your Multiple Sclerosis Healthcare Team

Some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience more symptoms than others, so they may need a larger healthcare team. Managing your life with multiple sclerosis may mean working with these medical professionals:

• Neurologist: Diagnoses and treats MS and other neurologic diseases.

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

• 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.