Symptom Management

MS varies considerably from person to person. At the time of diagnosis, it is impossible for your doctor to predict what course the disease might take and how you will be affected after five or ten years.

Many people think the worst case scenario, that everyone with MS ends up paralyzed in a wheelchair. In fact, about one-third of people become severely disabled, while one-third have a mild course with very few restrictions and one-third become moderately restricted, requiring a cane or crutches to move about.

We believe that two out of three people with MS remain ambulatory over their lifetime, but many of them need a cane or other assistive device for walking, and some of them will choose a scooter or wheelchair to conserve energy.

There are many ways to manage your MS. Talk over your situation with a physician who is knowledgeable about MS, who knows you. As in so many other areas of MS, an answer will apply to your individual situation.

Different strategies include:

• Western or traditional medical approach
• Medications
• Physiotherapy
• Complementary or Alternative approach
• Exercise
• Diet
• Or any combination above

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