Living with MS > Your Healthcare Professionals

One of the first steps in managing MS is to know your essential healthcare providers and what their roles are. The following healthcare professionals are commonly involved in the treatment and support of people with MS:

Your GP

Your General Practitioner (GP) is usually the first doctor you will see when you have initial symptoms or problems related to MS. Your GP will refer you to a neurologist to have a thorough examination, and the neurologist will tell your GP about your diagnosis and any treatment you may need. Most of the time you will need to go back to your GP if any other symptoms or problems occur.

Your Neurologist

A Neurologist is a specialist doctor who examines, diagnoses and treats problems that affect the central nervous system(CNS). A Neurologist usually works from a hospital and will assess your co-ordination, strength, sensation and reflexes. Your Neurologist may also send you to have other tests, such as an MRI scan, and will explain what these tests show. Any available treatments will be discussed with you, and your Neurologist will recommend the course of action that they think is the most beneficial for you. It is likely that your Neurologist will ask to see you on a regular basis so that your condition can be monitored.

Your MS Nurse Specialist

An MS Nurse Specialist works with your neurologist to provide information, education and training about aspects of MS, such as medication and side-effects. Your MS Nurse can also give advice and referrals for issues related to living with MS and symptom management. You can contact your MS Nurse if you have any questions about your treatment or you are concerned about MS symptoms.

Your MS Field Worker

Your local branch of the MS Society provides qualified and experienced Field Workers who can provide support, advice and referrals to people with MS and their families on a range of issues affecting the home, work and social environments.

Other Healthcare Professionals

At times you may need or want to see other medical or healthcare professionals who have specialist knowledge of dealing with the physical, emotional or social consequences of living with MS. These specialists may include a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Dietician, or Psychologist. You can get a referral to one of these services from your GP.