The following are National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommendations for patients and their healthcare providers.

Patient Bill of Rights

You have the right:

• To be treated with respect

• To have and to express your feelings and opinions

• To be heard and to be taken seriously

• To set your own priorities

• To say no without feeling guilty

• To ask for what you want

• To get what you pay for

• To ask for information

• To make mistakes

• To choose not to assert yourself

• To change your mind

Patient Bill of Responsibilities

You have the obligation:

• To keep scheduled appointments

• To be honest with the doctors and other healthcare workers

• To give information about your experience and condition as clearly and briefly as possible

• To respect the doctors and healthcare workers

• To understand that no one has all the answers to MS

• To follow the treatment plan agreed upon

4

essential elementsMS Support Teams That Rise Above

Redirect your life toward wellness with MS by putting together your own healthcare “A” team

to meet your individual needs.

The support you’ll need from a healthcare team may be different from what someone else

needs. One person may be interested in the help of a physical therapist, while another may not.

The kinds of support you can reach out for may include:

• Symptom management for weakness, tremor, vision changes, cognitive changes, or sexual dysfunction

• Support for related emotional and psychological issues

• Rehabilitation to improve mobility, independence, and quality of life

• Employment issues such as job accommodations and disability insurance

• MS education and support for families

• Reproductive issues and parenting

• Wellness strategies

• Issues of aging with MS

MS Support Teams That Rise Above

Gain control

• Rehabilitation to improve mobility, independence, and quality of life

• Employment issues such as job accommodations and disability

• Support for related emotional and psychological issues

• Rehabilitation to improve mobility, independence, and quality of life

• Employment issues such as job accommodations and disability

• MS education and support for families

• Reproductive issues and parenting

• Wellness strategies

• Issues of aging with MS

• Employment issues such as job accommodations and disability

• MS education and support for families

• Reproductive issues and parenting

MS Support Teams MS Support Teams That Rise Above

MS Support Teams That Rise Above

MS Support Teams MS Support Teams

2

Comprehensive MS care centers are located in

many metropolitan areas of the U.S. They often have

professional healthcare teams made up of a variety

of disciplines and are designed to address the whole

spectrum of care. But if you do not live near one of

these centers, you may want to seek out and assemble

your own healthcare team made up of individual

practitioners in your community.

Every personality is different, and it is important to

find healthcare professionals who respect you, listen to

you, and make you feel comfortable and important.

In the best of all possible worlds you and your

healthcare team will work together to keep you as

healthy as possible. It is worth a search to find the

right team members. You also have to learn to do your

part by preparing for appointments, writing things

down in your Essential Elements Daily Journal, and

being as clear as you can in explaining your symptoms

and issues.

Anything that is of concern to you, including

problems with your mood, sexual function, thinking

and memory, and bladder and bowel function, is of

interest to your healthcare team. If you are not sure

what is related to your MS and what is not, ask your

doctor or nurse to help you sort it out.

Meet the Professionals. In the kit’s center pocket, please find six cards that each represents a different area of professional expertise available to people with MS.

Physicians Who Care for People with MS

Neurologists: Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Many neurologists have additional subspecialty training after completing their residency in one area of neurology such as MS, epilepsy, or sleep disorders, for example. Family Practitioners: Include family practice, internal medicine, and doctors of osteopathy. Provides primary care for both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) illnesses, with particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues.

Physiatrists: Rehabilitation physician’s with nerve, muscle, and bone expertise who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. Provide nonsurgical treatments to decrease pain and enhance function.

Urologists: Specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary problems in men and women and in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the male sexual organs.

Ophthalmologists: Specialize in diseases and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas surrounding the eye.

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the nervous system including the brain, spinal nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Many neurologists have additional subspecialty training after completing their residency in one area of neurology such as MS, epilepsy, or sleep

Include family practice, internal medicine, and doctors of osteopathy. Provides primary care for both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) illnesses, with particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues.

Rehabilitation physician’s with nerve, muscle, and bone expertise who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. Provide nonsurgical treatments to decrease pain and enhance

cord, and nerves. Many neurologists cord, and nerves. Many neurologists have additional subspecialty training after completing their residency in one area of neurology such as MS, epilepsy, or sleep

Include family practice, internal medicine, and doctors of osteopathy. Provides primary care for both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) illnesses, with particular skills in treating people with multiple health issues.

Rehabilitation physician’s with nerve, muscle, and bone expertise who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. Provide nonsurgical how you move. Provide nonsurgical treatments to decrease pain and enhance

treatment of problems related to the male sexual organs.

Ophthalmologists:and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas surrounding the eye.

have additional subspecialty training after sexual organs.sexual organs.completing their residency in one area of neurology such as MS, epilepsy, or sleep Ophthalmologists:

and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas

Include family surrounding the eye.practice, internal medicine, and doctors of

illnesses, with particular skills in treating

Rehabilitation physician’s with nerve, muscle, and bone expertise

treatments to decrease pain and enhance treatments to decrease pain and enhance

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the nervous system including the brain, spinal nervous system including the brain, spinal

Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the nervous system including the brain, spinal nervous system including the brain, spinal

Urologists: Specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary problems in men and women and in the diagnosis and and women and in the diagnosis and

Rehabilitation Specialists Who Help People with MS

The goal of rehabilitation is to improve and maintain function. From the time of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists provide education and treatment designed to promote good health and general conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you feel and function at your best—at home and at work.

Types of Rehabilitation SpecialistsPhysical Therapists (PT): Evaluate and address the body’s ability to move and function, with particular emphasis on walking, strength, balance, posture, fatigue, and pain.

Occupational Therapist’s (OT): Provide training in energy conservation techniques and the use of adaptive tools and devices to simplify tasks at home and in the office.

Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Evaluate and treat problems with speech and/or swallowing—both of which can result from damage in the CNS due to MS. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Offer job readiness training, job coaching, job placement assistance, mobility training, and assistive technology assessments. Help people maintain their current employment or find new employment that accommodates their needs.

Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Provide nutritional counseling through diet management to promote good nutrition. Develop individual care plans for each person with MS to promote a good nutritional status.

treatment of problems related to the male sexual organs.

Ophthalmologists:Ophthalmologists:and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas surrounding the eye.

and women and in the diagnosis and and women and in the diagnosis and

The goal of rehabilitation is to improve sexual organs.The goal of rehabilitation is to improve sexual organs.and maintain function. From the time of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:provide education and treatment designed and surgery of the visual pathways, provide education and treatment designed and surgery of the visual pathways, to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you surrounding the eye.conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you surrounding the eye.feel and function at your best—at home

Types of Rehabilitation SpecialistsPhysical Therapists (PT):and address the body’s ability to move and function, with particular emphasis on walking, strength, balance, posture,

Occupational Therapist’s (OT): training in energy conservation techniques and the use of adaptive tools and devices and the use of adaptive tools and devices to simplify tasks at home and in the office.

and surgery of the visual pathways, and surgery of the visual pathways, and surgery of the visual pathways, including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas surrounding the eye.surrounding the eye.

provide education and treatment designed provide education and treatment designed provide education and treatment designed and surgery of the visual pathways, provide education and treatment designed and surgery of the visual pathways, and surgery of the visual pathways, provide education and treatment designed and surgery of the visual pathways, and surgery of the visual pathways, provide education and treatment designed and surgery of the visual pathways, to promote good health and general to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you surrounding the eye.conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you surrounding the eye.surrounding the eye.conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you surrounding the eye.feel and function at your best—at home feel and function at your best—at home feel and function at your best—at home

Types of Rehabilitation SpecialistsTypes of Rehabilitation SpecialistsPhysical Therapists (PT): Evaluate Evaluate and address the body’s ability to move and address the body’s ability to move and function, with particular emphasis and function, with particular emphasis on walking, strength, balance, posture, on walking, strength, balance, posture,

Occupational Therapist’s (OT): training in energy conservation techniques and the use of adaptive tools and devices and the use of adaptive tools and devices to simplify tasks at home and in the office. to simplify tasks at home and in the office.

result from damage in the CNS due to MS. and surgery of the visual pathways, result from damage in the CNS due to MS. and surgery of the visual pathways,

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Offer job readiness training, job coaching, job placement assistance, mobility training, and assistive technology assessments. Help people maintain their current employment or find new employment that accommodates their

Registered Dietitian’s (RD): nutritional counseling through diet management to promote good nutrition. Develop individual care plans for each person with MS to promote a good nutritional status.

including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas to promote good health and general to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas to promote good health and general including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas including the eye, brain, and areas conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you conditioning, reduce fatigue, and help you Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: feel and function at your best—at home feel and function at your best—at home Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

job placement assistance, mobility

Types of Rehabilitation Specialists assessments. Help people maintain Evaluate their current employment or find new

and address the body’s ability to move employment that accommodates their and function, with particular emphasis needs.on walking, strength, balance, posture,

Registered Dietitian’s (RD): nutritional counseling through diet

Provide management to promote good nutrition. training in energy conservation techniques Develop individual care plans for each

to simplify tasks at home and in the office. to simplify tasks at home and in the office. nutritional status.

treatment of problems related to the male sexual organs.

Ophthalmologists:Ophthalmologists:

The goal of rehabilitation is to improve sexual organs.The goal of rehabilitation is to improve sexual organs.and maintain function. From the time of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:

treatment of problems related to the male treatment of problems related to the male sexual organs.

Ophthalmologists:Ophthalmologists: Specialize in diseases

The goal of rehabilitation is to improve The goal of rehabilitation is to improve sexual organs.The goal of rehabilitation is to improve sexual organs.and maintain function. From the time and maintain function. From the time of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:Ophthalmologists:of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:Ophthalmologists:of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists:Ophthalmologists:of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Ophthalmologists: Specialize in diseases of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Specialize in diseases Specialize in diseases of diagnosis onward, rehab specialists Specialize in diseases

Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Speech/language Pathologists (SLP): Evaluate and treat problems with speech Evaluate and treat problems with speech Evaluate and treat problems with speech Evaluate and treat problems with speech Evaluate and treat problems with speech and/or swallowing—both of which can and/or swallowing—both of which can and/or swallowing—both of which can and/or swallowing—both of which can and/or swallowing—both of which can Specialize in diseases and/or swallowing—both of which can Specialize in diseases

Clinical Specialists Who Care for People with MS

The primary goal of these professionals to help people with MS learn effective, self care to manage minor problems before they become major ones.

Advanced practice nurses (APNs): Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with additional education (certification or master’s degree) and expertise in a specialty area or clinical practice, such as MS. APNs can prescribe medications and order laboratory tests working with a collaborating physician.

Registered Nurses (RNs): Licensed nursing professionals who may work in MS centers, private practices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses are competent experts who can assess your needs and develop and implement a plan of care to address your concerns and sustain your health and wellness.

Physicians Assistants (PAs): Licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests.Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Technical nurses that mainly work in hospitals or physicians’ offices and provide care under the direct supervision of a physician or an RN or APN.

For people with MS, nurses and PAs perform a wide variety of services, including:• Ongoing symptom management • General wellness counseling • Patient and family education • Medication management• Bowel, bladder management• Outpatient care with home-care services

result from damage in the CNS due to MS.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

The primary goal of these professionals to help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors:

job placement assistance, mobility training, and assistive technology assessments. Help people maintain their current employment or find new employment that accommodates their

Registered Dietitian’s (RD): nutritional counseling through diet management to promote good nutrition. Develop individual care plans for each person with MS to promote a good nutritional status.

care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, job placement assistance, mobility they become major ones. job placement assistance, mobility

Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their with additional education (certification or master’s degree) and expertise in a specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition.

Registered Nurses (RNs): nutritional status.Registered Nurses (RNs): nutritional status.nursing professionals who may work in MS centers, private practices, hospitals, long-centers, private practices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses are competent experts who can assess your needs and develop and implement a plan of care to address your concerns and sustain your health and wellness.sustain your health and wellness.sustain your health and wellness.

job placement assistance, mobility job placement assistance, mobility job placement assistance, mobility job placement assistance, mobility training, and assistive technology training, and assistive technology training, and assistive technology training, and assistive technology assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain their current employment or find new their current employment or find new their current employment or find new their current employment or find new employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their

Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. Develop individual care plans for each Develop individual care plans for each Develop individual care plans for each Develop individual care plans for each person with MS to promote a good person with MS to promote a good person with MS to promote a good person with MS to promote a good nutritional status.nutritional status.nutritional status.

job placement assistance, mobility they become major ones. job placement assistance, mobility

Advanced practice nurses (APNs):Advanced practice nurses (APNs):Advanced practice nurses (APNs):Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new practitioners, and registered nurses practitioners, and registered nurses practitioners, and registered nurses practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their with additional education (certification with additional education (certification with additional education (certification with additional education (certification or master’s degree) and expertise in a or master’s degree) and expertise in a or master’s degree) and expertise in a or master’s degree) and expertise in a specialty area or clinical practice, such specialty area or clinical practice, such specialty area or clinical practice, such specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): as MS. APNs can prescribe medications as MS. APNs can prescribe medications as MS. APNs can prescribe medications as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet and order laboratory tests working with a and order laboratory tests working with a and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition.

Registered Nurses (RNs): nutritional status.Registered Nurses (RNs): nutritional status.Licensed Licensed Licensed Licensed nutritional status.Licensed nutritional status.nutritional status.Licensed nutritional status.nutritional status.Licensed nutritional status.nursing professionals who may work in MS nursing professionals who may work in MS nursing professionals who may work in MS nursing professionals who may work in MS centers, private practices, hospitals, long-centers, private practices, hospitals, long-centers, private practices, hospitals, long-centers, private practices, hospitals, long-centers, private practices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses are competent experts who can assess are competent experts who can assess are competent experts who can assess are competent experts who can assess your needs and develop and implement a your needs and develop and implement a your needs and develop and implement a your needs and develop and implement a plan of care to address your concerns and plan of care to address your concerns and plan of care to address your concerns and plan of care to address your concerns and sustain your health and wellness.sustain your health and wellness.sustain your health and wellness.

and procedures, order treatments, job placement assistance, mobility and procedures, order treatments, job placement assistance, mobility diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, training, and assistive technology diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, training, and assistive technology order and interpret diagnostic tests.assessments. Help people maintain order and interpret diagnostic tests.assessments. Help people maintain Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) their current employment or find new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) their current employment or find new Technical nurses that mainly work in hospitals or physicians’ offices and provide care under the direct supervision of a physician or an RN or APN.

perform a wide variety of services, Develop individual care plans for each perform a wide variety of services, Develop individual care plans for each including:including:person with MS to promote a good including:person with MS to promote a good • Ongoing symptom management • General wellness counseling • Patient and family education • Medication management• Medication management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Outpatient care with home-care services

training, and assistive technology training, and assistive technology diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, training, and assistive technology diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, training, and assistive technology assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain assessments. Help people maintain Advanced practice nurses (APNs):assessments. Help people maintain order and interpret diagnostic tests.assessments. Help people maintain order and interpret diagnostic tests.assessments. Help people maintain their current employment or find new their current employment or find new their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new their current employment or find new Include clinical nurse specialists, nurse their current employment or find new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) their current employment or find new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) their current employment or find new employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their employment that accommodates their practitioners, and registered nurses employment that accommodates their Technical nurses that mainly work in employment that accommodates their Technical nurses that mainly work in employment that accommodates their

with additional education (certification with additional education (certification hospitals or physicians’ offices and or master’s degree) and expertise in a or master’s degree) and expertise in a provide care under the direct supervision

Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Provide specialty area or clinical practice, such specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): Registered Dietitian’s (RD): specialty area or clinical practice, such Registered Dietitian’s (RD): of a physician or an RN or APN.Provide of a physician or an RN or APN.Provide nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet nutritional counseling through diet as MS. APNs can prescribe medications nutritional counseling through diet management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. management to promote good nutrition. and order laboratory tests working with a management to promote good nutrition. For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. Develop individual care plans for each Develop individual care plans for each perform a wide variety of services, Develop individual care plans for each perform a wide variety of services, Develop individual care plans for each

nursing professionals who may work in MS nursing professionals who may work in MS going symptom management centers, private practices, hospitals, long-centers, private practices, hospitals, long- • General wellness counseling term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, term care facilities, home care agencies, • Patient and family education or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses or for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses • Medication management• Medication management

your needs and develop and implement a your needs and develop and implement a • Outpatient care with home-care services

sustain your health and wellness.

result from damage in the CNS due to MS.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

The primary goal of these professionals to help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

result from damage in the CNS due to MS. result from damage in the CNS due to MS. result from damage in the CNS due to MS. result from damage in the CNS due to MS.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Offer job readiness training, job coaching, Offer job readiness training, job coaching, Offer job readiness training, job coaching, Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

The primary goal of these professionals to The primary goal of these professionals to The primary goal of these professionals to The primary goal of these professionals to help people with MS learn effective, self help people with MS learn effective, self help people with MS learn effective, self help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: help people with MS learn effective, self Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: care to manage minor problems before care to manage minor problems before care to manage minor problems before care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, Offer job readiness training, job coaching, care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, Offer job readiness training, job coaching, care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching, Offer job readiness training, job coaching, care to manage minor problems before Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

Physicians Assistants (PAs): Physicians Assistants (PAs): Physicians Assistants (PAs): Physicians Assistants (PAs): Physicians Assistants (PAs): Physicians Assistants (PAs): Licensed to practice medicine with physician to practice medicine with physician to practice medicine with physician to practice medicine with physician to practice medicine with physician Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: to practice medicine with physician Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors: supervision. PAs perform examinations supervision. PAs perform examinations supervision. PAs perform examinations supervision. PAs perform examinations Offer job readiness training, job coaching, supervision. PAs perform examinations Offer job readiness training, job coaching,

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practitioners

Today it is estimated that about 75% of people with MS use CAM along with their regular modifying treatment. Complementary medical approaches are nontraditional methods used along with conventional Western medical treatment (eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). Alternative approaches are used instead of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than taking medication).

The following is just a small sample of CAM practitioners who may have experience with MS. Intervieveral before making your decision.

Examples of CAM PractitionersAcupuncturists practice traditional Chinese medicine, one of the oldestforms of medicine in the world. They maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny

needles under the skin on specific points on the body.

Ayurveda Practitioners practice this ancient approach balancing the body, the mind and the spirit. They use a combination of herbs, massage, and diets to achieve physical and mental wellness.

Chiropractors diagnose and treat problems of the musculoskeletal system through its effects on the nervous system and on general health. They manipulate the spine, joints, and soft tissue to alleviate pain and promote optimal health.

Herbalists use extracts of plants to treat illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist can help people with MS by finding herbs that can support the immune system, strengthen the nervous system, and ease inflammation.

management to promote good nutrition.

and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests.Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Technical nurses that mainly work in hospitals or physicians’ offices and provide care under the direct supervision of a physician or an RN or APN.

perform a wide variety of services, including:including:

going symptom management • General wellness counseling • Patient and family education • Medication management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Outpatient care with home-care services

Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication,

of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.

with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and

provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision (eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.Alternative approaches are used instead of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga management to promote good nutrition. For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services,

The following is just a small sample going symptom management The following is just a small sample going symptom management of CAM practitioners who may have • General wellness counseling of CAM practitioners who may have • General wellness counseling experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education before making your decision. • Medication managementbefore making your decision. • Medication management

Examples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care servicespractice traditional

Chinese medicine, one of the oldestforms of medicine in the world. They of medicine in the world. They of medicine in the world. They maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny

management to promote good nutrition.

Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.

For people with MS, nurses and PAs perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, including:including:

going symptom management going symptom management going symptom management going symptom management • General wellness counseling • General wellness counseling • General wellness counseling • General wellness counseling • Patient and family education • Patient and family education • Patient and family education • Patient and family education • Medication management• Medication management• Medication management• Medication management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care services

Complementary medical approaches are Complementary medical approaches are Complementary medical approaches are Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Complementary medical approaches are Technical nurses that mainly work in nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and

provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision (eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.Alternative approaches are used instead Alternative approaches are used instead Alternative approaches are used instead Alternative approaches are used instead of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga management to promote good nutrition. For people with MS, nurses and PAs management to promote good nutrition. to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services,

The following is just a small sample going symptom management The following is just a small sample going symptom management of CAM practitioners who may have of CAM practitioners who may have of CAM practitioners who may have • General wellness counseling of CAM practitioners who may have • General wellness counseling • General wellness counseling of CAM practitioners who may have • General wellness counseling • General wellness counseling of CAM practitioners who may have • General wellness counseling experience with MS. Intervieveral experience with MS. Intervieveral experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education before making your decision. • Medication managementbefore making your decision. • Medication management

Examples of CAM PractitionersExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care servicespractice traditional practice traditional practice traditional

Chinese medicine, one of the oldestforms Chinese medicine, one of the oldestforms Chinese medicine, one of the oldestforms Chinese medicine, one of the oldestforms of medicine in the world. They of medicine in the world. They of medicine in the world. They maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny

Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in ancient approach balancing the body, hospitals or physicians’ offices and ancient approach balancing the body, hospitals or physicians’ offices and

provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision combination of herbs, massage, and diets of a physician or an RN or APN.combination of herbs, massage, and diets of a physician or an RN or APN.to achieve physical and mental wellness.

Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, problems of the musculoskeletal system problems of the musculoskeletal system through its effects on the nervous system

the spine, joints, and soft tissue to alleviate pain and promote optimal health.

• Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicescan help people with MS by finding herbs can help people with MS by finding herbs that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, strengthen the nervous system, and ease

hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with nontraditional methods used along with nontraditional methods used along with nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and hospitals or physicians’ offices and nontraditional methods used along with hospitals or physicians’ offices and ancient approach balancing the body, hospitals or physicians’ offices and ancient approach balancing the body, hospitals or physicians’ offices and provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision provide care under the direct supervision conventional Western medical treatment provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). (eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). (eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.of a physician or an RN or APN.(eg, acupuncture to relieve nausea). of a physician or an RN or APN.combination of herbs, massage, and diets of a physician or an RN or APN.combination of herbs, massage, and diets of a physician or an RN or APN.

Alternative approaches are used instead Alternative approaches are used instead Alternative approaches are used instead Alternative approaches are used instead to achieve physical and mental wellness.For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs For people with MS, nurses and PAs of other treatments (eg, practicing yoga For people with MS, nurses and PAs perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, to relieve spasticity (stiffness) rather than perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services,

going symptom management going symptom management The following is just a small sample The following is just a small sample The following is just a small sample going symptom management The following is just a small sample going symptom management going symptom management The following is just a small sample going symptom management going symptom management The following is just a small sample going symptom management and on general health. They manipulate

• General wellness counseling the spine, joints, and soft tissue to

• Patient and family education • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral experience with MS. Intervieveral experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education • Patient and family education experience with MS. Intervieveral • Patient and family education alleviate pain and promote optimal health.

• Medication management• Medication management• Medication management• Medication management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management• Bowel, bladder management Herbalists

• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM PractitionersExamples of CAM PractitionersExamples of CAM PractitionersExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care services• Outpatient care with home-care servicesExamples of CAM Practitioners• Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care services

of medicine in the world. They of medicine in the world. They of medicine in the world. They strengthen the nervous system, and ease maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny maintain a patient’s health by placing tiny inflammation.inflammation.inflammation.

and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests.Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Technical nurses that mainly work in

Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication,

of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.

with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

and procedures, order treatments, and procedures, order treatments, and procedures, order treatments, and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests.order and interpret diagnostic tests.order and interpret diagnostic tests.order and interpret diagnostic tests.Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in Technical nurses that mainly work in

Today it is estimated that about 75% Today it is estimated that about 75% Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, Today it is estimated that about 75% diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication,

of people with MS use CAM along of people with MS use CAM along of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.order and interpret diagnostic tests.of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.order and interpret diagnostic tests.of people with MS use CAM along order and interpret diagnostic tests.

with their regular modifying treatment. with their regular modifying treatment. with their regular modifying treatment. with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with their regular modifying treatment. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

needles under the skin on specific points needles under the skin on specific points needles under the skin on specific points needles under the skin on specific points needles under the skin on specific points diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, needles under the skin on specific points diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication,

on the body. order and interpret diagnostic tests.on the body. order and interpret diagnostic tests.Psychosocial Specialists Who Care for People with MS

MS causes stress and complications in life that go beyond the usual stress that most adults face. A counselor helps you understand your feelings and reactions, learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and problem-solve areas of your life that are causing concern.

Examples of Psychosocial SpecialistsPsychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists focus on prescribing the appropriate medication for each patient; a few also do psychotherapy.

Neuropsychologists specialize in memory, problem solving, and can also diagnose MS. They may also

offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises to improve memory, attention, and information processing and reasoning.

Psychologists (or psychotherapists) have doctoral degrees (such as a PhD or PsyD). They help people with MS cope with the cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal issues. They provide individual counseling sessions to reduce emotional distress and improve stress management skills.

Social workers have an MSW (master of social work) or an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), and in most states are covered by health insurance. Social workers offer counseling on emotional issues, financial resources, and other quality of life issues.

Technical nurses that mainly work in

provide care under the direct supervision

For people with MS, nurses and PAs

• Outpatient care with home-care services

Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in ancient approach balancing the body,

provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision combination of herbs, massage, and diets to achieve physical and mental wellness.

Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, problems of the musculoskeletal system problems of the musculoskeletal system through its effects on the nervous system

the spine, joints, and soft tissue to alleviate pain and promote optimal health.

• Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicescan help people with MS by finding herbs that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, strengthen the nervous system, and ease

Technical nurses that mainly work in

MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body, MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body,

life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision life that go beyond the usual stress that provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision

most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets

understand your feelings and reactions, to achieve physical and mental wellness.understand your feelings and reactions, to achieve physical and mental wellness.learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and For people with MS, nurses and PAs learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and For people with MS, nurses and PAs problem-solve areas of your life that are perform a wide variety of services, problem-solve areas of your life that are perform a wide variety of services, perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, problem-solve areas of your life that are perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services,

Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to

who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists focus on prescribing the appropriate Herbalists focus on prescribing the appropriate Herbalists medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicesmedication for each patient; a few also • Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care services

Neuropsychologistsstrengthen the nervous system, and ease Neuropsychologistsstrengthen the nervous system, and ease memory, problem solving, and can memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.inflammation.memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.inflammation.memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.also diagnose MS. They may also also diagnose MS. They may also also diagnose MS. They may also

For people with MS, nurses and PAs

• Outpatient care with home-care services

to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.

Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, diagnose and treat diagnose and treat diagnose and treat diagnose and treat problems of the musculoskeletal system problems of the musculoskeletal system problems of the musculoskeletal system problems of the musculoskeletal system problems of the musculoskeletal system through its effects on the nervous system through its effects on the nervous system through its effects on the nervous system through its effects on the nervous system through its effects on the nervous system and on general health. They manipulate the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.

use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicescan help people with MS by finding herbs can help people with MS by finding herbs can help people with MS by finding herbs can help people with MS by finding herbs can help people with MS by finding herbs that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, that can support the immune system, strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease

understand your feelings and reactions, understand your feelings and reactions, understand your feelings and reactions, to achieve physical and mental wellness.understand your feelings and reactions, to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.understand your feelings and reactions, to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.understand your feelings and reactions, to achieve physical and mental wellness.learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and For people with MS, nurses and PAs learn ways to deal with bad feelings, and For people with MS, nurses and PAs problem-solve areas of your life that are problem-solve areas of your life that are problem-solve areas of your life that are perform a wide variety of services, problem-solve areas of your life that are perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors problem-solve areas of your life that are Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, problem-solve areas of your life that are perform a wide variety of services, Chiropractors perform a wide variety of services, diagnose and treat problem-solve areas of your life that are diagnose and treat diagnose and treat problem-solve areas of your life that are diagnose and treat diagnose and treat problem-solve areas of your life that are diagnose and treat

Examples of Psychosocial SpecialistsExamples of Psychosocial SpecialistsExamples of Psychosocial SpecialistsExamples of Psychosocial SpecialistsExamples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate and on general health. They manipulate Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate and on general health. They manipulate Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate and on general health. They manipulate Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate and on general health. They manipulate Examples of Psychosocial Specialistsand on general health. They manipulate are medical doctors (MDs) are medical doctors (MDs) are medical doctors (MDs) are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to the spine, joints, and soft tissue to are medical doctors (MDs) the spine, joints, and soft tissue to

who specialize in mental health and can who specialize in mental health and can who specialize in mental health and can who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.who specialize in mental health and can alleviate pain and promote optimal health.prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists prescribe medications. Most psychiatrists focus on prescribing the appropriate focus on prescribing the appropriate focus on prescribing the appropriate focus on prescribing the appropriate Herbalists focus on prescribing the appropriate Herbalists use extracts of plants to treat focus on prescribing the appropriate use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat focus on prescribing the appropriate use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat focus on prescribing the appropriate use extracts of plants to treat use extracts of plants to treat focus on prescribing the appropriate use extracts of plants to treat medication for each patient; a few also medication for each patient; a few also medication for each patient; a few also medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist medication for each patient; a few also illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care servicesmedication for each patient; a few also • Outpatient care with home-care servicesillnesses. A qualified medical herbalist • Outpatient care with home-care services

specialize in specialize in specialize in strengthen the nervous system, and ease specialize in strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease specialize in strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease specialize in strengthen the nervous system, and ease strengthen the nervous system, and ease specialize in strengthen the nervous system, and ease memory, problem solving, and can memory, problem solving, and can memory, problem solving, and can memory, problem solving, and can memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.inflammation.memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.inflammation.memory, problem solving, and can inflammation.also diagnose MS. They may also also diagnose MS. They may also also diagnose MS. They may also also diagnose MS. They may also also diagnose MS. They may also

Psychologists (or psychotherapists) have (or psychotherapists) have (or psychotherapists) have (or psychotherapists) have doctoral degrees (such as a PhD or PsyD). doctoral degrees (such as a PhD or PsyD). doctoral degrees (such as a PhD or PsyD). doctoral degrees (such as a PhD or PsyD). diagnose and treat doctoral degrees (such as a PhD or PsyD). diagnose and treat They help people with MS cope with the They help people with MS cope with the They help people with MS cope with the They help people with MS cope with the problems of the musculoskeletal system They help people with MS cope with the problems of the musculoskeletal system cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal through its effects on the nervous system cognitive, emotional, and interpersonal through its effects on the nervous system issues. They provide individual counseling issues. They provide individual counseling issues. They provide individual counseling issues. They provide individual counseling and on general health. They manipulate issues. They provide individual counseling and on general health. They manipulate sessions to reduce emotional distress and sessions to reduce emotional distress and sessions to reduce emotional distress and sessions to reduce emotional distress and the spine, joints, and soft tissue to sessions to reduce emotional distress and the spine, joints, and soft tissue to improve stress management skills.improve stress management skills.improve stress management skills.improve stress management skills.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.improve stress management skills.alleviate pain and promote optimal health.

Social workersuse extracts of plants to treat Social workersuse extracts of plants to treat have an MSW (master have an MSW (master have an MSW (master have an MSW (master of social work) or an LCSW (licensed of social work) or an LCSW (licensed of social work) or an LCSW (licensed of social work) or an LCSW (licensed illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist of social work) or an LCSW (licensed illnesses. A qualified medical herbalist clinical social worker), and in most states clinical social worker), and in most states clinical social worker), and in most states clinical social worker), and in most states can help people with MS by finding herbs clinical social worker), and in most states can help people with MS by finding herbs are covered by health insurance. Social are covered by health insurance. Social are covered by health insurance. Social are covered by health insurance. Social that can support the immune system, are covered by health insurance. Social that can support the immune system, workers offer counseling on emotional workers offer counseling on emotional workers offer counseling on emotional workers offer counseling on emotional strengthen the nervous system, and ease workers offer counseling on emotional strengthen the nervous system, and ease issues, financial resources, and other issues, financial resources, and other issues, financial resources, and other issues, financial resources, and other issues, financial resources, and other quality of life issues.quality of life issues.quality of life issues.quality of life issues.quality of life issues.

Technical nurses that mainly work in

provide care under the direct supervision

Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in ancient approach balancing the body,

provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision combination of herbs, massage, and diets to achieve physical and mental wellness.

Technical nurses that mainly work in

MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body, MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body,

life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision life that go beyond the usual stress that provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision

most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets

Technical nurses that mainly work in

provide care under the direct supervision

Ayurveda PractitionersAyurveda PractitionersAyurveda PractitionersAyurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in Ayurveda PractitionersTechnical nurses that mainly work in practice this ancient approach balancing the body, ancient approach balancing the body, ancient approach balancing the body, ancient approach balancing the body, the mind and the spirit. They use a the mind and the spirit. They use a the mind and the spirit. They use a the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision combination of herbs, massage, and diets combination of herbs, massage, and diets combination of herbs, massage, and diets combination of herbs, massage, and diets to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.to achieve physical and mental wellness.

Technical nurses that mainly work in

MS causes stress and complications in MS causes stress and complications in MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body, MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body, ancient approach balancing the body, MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body, ancient approach balancing the body, MS causes stress and complications in ancient approach balancing the body,

life that go beyond the usual stress that life that go beyond the usual stress that life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a the mind and the spirit. They use a life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a the mind and the spirit. They use a life that go beyond the usual stress that the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision life that go beyond the usual stress that provide care under the direct supervision the mind and the spirit. They use a provide care under the direct supervision

most adults face. A counselor helps you most adults face. A counselor helps you most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets combination of herbs, massage, and diets most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets combination of herbs, massage, and diets most adults face. A counselor helps you combination of herbs, massage, and diets

offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises ancient approach balancing the body, offer cognitive rehabilitation exercises ancient approach balancing the body,

to improve memory, attention, and to improve memory, attention, and to improve memory, attention, and to improve memory, attention, and the mind and the spirit. They use a to improve memory, attention, and the mind and the spirit. They use a

information processing and reasoning.information processing and reasoning.information processing and reasoning.information processing and reasoning.combination of herbs, massage, and diets information processing and reasoning.combination of herbs, massage, and diets

You and Those Who Care about You

Many people are not prepared to deal with

the changes in routine and lifestyle that

MS may require. You are going to need

to build a strong support system around

you…because no one can handle life, let

alone life with MS, all alone.

The following are some examples of ways

to rally your troops and surround yourself

with those who care:

• Ask for help from family and friends

• Clearly identify your strengths and needs and communicate them to others

• Acknowledge and admit to loved ones that you are dealing with a major issue, but do not dwell on it

• Clarify your problems, fears, and challenges with MS, then ask your loved ones if they can help you with them

• Consider support groups and classes; you may find it comforting to be with others who really understand the personal experience of what a diagnosis of MS can mean

3