Neurologist 

A doctor that specialises in diagnosis and management of conditions that affect the nervous system, including MS, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy and dementia. Neurologists, or specialist MS neurologists, oversee your MS care.

  MS nurse

Often the main point of contact for someone living with MS. They can offer you support, education and medical advice, and can help to co-ordinate your care, connecting you to other services that you need. 
You can make the most of the support they can give you by preparing for your discussions. Try to get into the habit of writing down anything related to your MS that you’d like to talk about with your MS nurse between appointments. This way, you won’t forget anything you’d like to bring up and can prioritise topics that are most important to you.

  Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist can help you maintain and improve your physical function and movement. In MS, they support in taking up physical activity and exercise, helping you to continue leading an active and independent life. They can also help you to better manage your MS symptoms, such as stiffness, balance and muscle spasms.

  Occupational therapist

These HCPs specialise in helping you overcome any barriers you experience in your everyday life, helping with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating. They can also visit you at home to suggest simple lifestyle changes and adaptations, or the use of specific equipment you might find beneficial for day-to-day living.
To help your therapist to really understand the problems you experience and suggest beneficial solutions, prepare a list of things you’d like to discuss during your appointments. Have a think about the physical challenges that MS brings to your daily life and be ready to talk about the success or lack of success you’ve had with past recommendations they have made

  Speech and language therapist

These therapists can help to assess, diagnose, and manage speech, cognitive communication, and swallowing problems in people living with MS. For example, they can help to improve slurred speech and assist people who have difficulty in remembering or concentrating on things involving words. 

  Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are trained to help you with the impact that your MS can have on your cognitive function and mental health. This includes problems such as issues with concentration, memory, and changes in behaviour, as well as more emotional issues like changes in mood. Be ready to talk openly about any cognitive and emotional problems you are experiencing. Keeping a diary of your symptoms and how you’ve been feeling can be really beneficial in helping you and your psychologist to identify patterns. 
Psychologists are able to offer a good level of support over virtual appointments. The conversations you have with your psychologist are valuable, so if your appointments are over phone or video call, it’s important that you choose a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed.

  Dietitian

Dieticians can create food plans for people with specific medical conditions to try and help them better manage their health. If you experience swallowing problems as a result of your MS, they can also teach you preparation methods and help you to find foods that make it easier to swallow.
To make sure that you’re making the most of the knowledge and expertise your dietitian has to offer, go to your appointments prepared with any questions you wish to ask and keep a pen and paper nearby so you can take down any notes during your conversation.