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Ask any question you want about Multiple Sclerosis and one of our experts will answer it as soon as possible.
Here is My Question:
Could I have MS with only one brain lesion? Answer: You can have MS with one brain lesion. There are several ways this can occur:
Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Clinical Neurosciences Director Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
Hi I am on a waiting list to see a neurologist. I am intolerant to heat. I have no foot reaction when reflex test done. My arms and legs feel numb. I feel shaky confused and just not quite with it. Tired depressed and anxious. I was diagnosed with vitamin d deficiency last moth. Does this sound like MS? Thank you. Answer: We can not use a list of symptoms to tell whether a person has MS, just as we can not look at a list of words to tell a story. The diagnosis of MS or any other condition requires a patient, with the physician’s guidance, to link together their symptoms in a temporal manner that tells a story consistent with a particular condition.The physician forms hypotheses during the process of obtaining your history and ask further questions to either support or refute this hypothesis. We then use our examination and test findings to further narrow the diagnostic possibilities. Numbness, fatigue and heat intolerance are certainly symptoms that can occur in MS but are also very common with other conditions. A neurologist should be able to assist you in determining the cause of your symptoms. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Clinical Neurosciences Director Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I have been diagnosed with fibro, which I reluctantly concur that I have but I have recurrent weakness in the legs (primarily thighs), a slow walking pattern and pain in my legs. I am 54 making this atypical but have never been tested dor MS. I really dislike diagnosing myself by using the web but for the last 5-7 years it's seems every time I look up symptoms it comes with a preliminary diagnosis of MS. Docs have never suggested this. Should I suggest it to them or find different docs? Answer: Since the inflammatory event of MS can occur anywhere within the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, the resultant symptom can be almost anything. This is why MS typically comes up as a "need to investigate" possibility for patients experiencing a wide variety of symptoms. If you wish to have this investigated, you should see a neurologist, preferably a fellowship trained MS specialist who will apply the diagnostic criteria and consider alternatives as well. Sometimes all that is needed to answer your question is a consultation with a specialist and nothing more. Sometimes additional evaluation is needed with imaging, blood testing, etc. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
How many OCTs are necessary and over what stretch of time to rule demyelination in or out? I had an OCT 18 months ago which showed damage. I had another recently and when I asked about it my eye doctor just said really we can only get a picture of this over time and said he could not compare the new one to the one from 18 months ago because it did not make sense to do so. However my neurologist is interested in a repeat OCT. I am confused. Here is my answer: The question of when and how often to perform OCT depends on why the test is being ordered. If you have a clear cut definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, there is not great evidence that you need to have annual repeat OCT scans. However your neurologist may want to track the retinal nerve fiber thickness as a way of monitoring your MS. I usually get repeat OCT scans in my patients who have either atypical cases of optic neuritis, a questionable diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or unexplained vision loss. Some patients on an MS medication called Gilenya (fingolimod) have annual OCT scans of the macula to help monitor for a rare side effect (macular edema). Sincerely, Benjamin Osborne, MD Associate Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology Director, Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Clinic Director, Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic Associate Director of the NIH/Georgetown Neurology Residency Program Medstar Georgetown University Hospital 3800 Reservoir Road, NW 7PHC Washington, DC 20007 Here is My Question:
Although I have been seen and had multiple tests I am not confident of the diagnosis. It all started a year and half ago. My general doctor thought I had MS and sent me in for testing. My symptoms are pins and needles and sometimes hot burning sensations in my hands and feet. Restless leg sometimes and whole body fatigue and sometimes fatigue just in my legs. I have dry eyes and pain in one eye. Sometimes in my eyes I have pain and it is foggy and I always have a constant dull pain. However it gets better when I wear my glasses. I have facial issues where it feels like someone is placing a feather on my face as well. I have lower back pain that is sharp but then goes away shortly after. And now my lower biceps have sharp pain and I am honestly not as strong as I used to be. Up to 50% difference. Lastly my neck is very tight and does not move as very well. Feels as stiff as my biceps now. I have been clumsy and off balance at times. Difficulties sleeping and when I wake up I am always exhausted. So I have had MRI of my brain and neck. The exam showed no legions. Back X-rays and mutiple blood tests including gluten sensitivity, vitamin b issues, Lyme's disease, 2d cardio gram in case I had a stroke, nerve conduction test, and a skin biopsy. The only test that came back positive was skin biopsy test. So the doctor diagnosed me with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy and no known cause. However he cannot explain eye pain and lower bicep pain and stiffness in my neck and lower biceps. Looking for any thoughts... Thanks! Answer: You’ve described a collection of fleeting, vague neurological symptoms. This rarely helps us establish a specific diagnosis in neurology. What is missing is a neurological history which can only be elicited by a competent neurologist. He or she should also perform a thorough examination to help determine the source of your problems. No amount of testing can substitute for a thoughtful evaluation by a skilled clinician Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Director of Hillcrest Neurology Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I have had about three MRIs. All of which show that I have white spots on the brain but I was told that they were not where typical white spots would be for MS. I just had a repeat MRI and my neurologist told me today that there were a few new white spots. He said that there were a couple that were where some MS spots would be but he didn't feel that he could diagnosis me with MS based on a few spots. So now I am going for a spinal tap. My question is given the information, what does the likelihood of me having MS look like? I just need to prepare myself. He did say that it would be mild and he felt it would be manageable but I still want to know my odds going into the spinal tap. Any input and advice is greatly appreciated. Answer: When MRI is non-diagnostic (i.e., does not fully meet criteria), a spinal tap can be very helpful. Approximately 90% of patient with multiple sclerosis will have 2 or more oligoclonal bands in that fluid. This indicates compartmentalized inflammation in the nervous system that is not seen elsewhere in the body (a hallmark of the disease). The prognostic course of MS cannot really be determined based on spinal fluid analysis. The procedure itself is simple and can be done in the office. Rarely, a unique headache can be experienced afterwards that comes on when you sit or stand up but goes away when you lay flat. If experienced, this usually goes away within the first 24 hours; however, if it lasts longer, another procedure called a blood patch can cure the headache. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
Hi, I am wondering if it is possible to be diagnosed with MS if I only have lesions in my cervical spine? 11.5 months ago I had an attack and had one lesion in my cervical spine, and I also had the other markers/bands (I had pins and needles in my foot which ended up moving my leg, other foot and leg and arm). A few days a go a had weird sensations in my foot, went for another MRI and the old lesion was resolved but I have another lesion on my cervical spine. My brain is completely clear-the doctor says no question about it my brain is excellent. She did diagnose me with MS. I was under the assumption that "space and time" was at least two attacks and in 2 of the 4 areas of the CNS. I know I have the time but I do not think I have the space-unless I am interpreting it wrong. So my very long winded question is can I have MS-do I meet the "space" part? Answer: If your symptoms are consistent with inflammatory demyelination, and it sounds like they were, and there is an unequivocal new lesion in the spinal cord with CSF oligoclonal bands, then MS is a likely diagnosis. I prefer to be descriptive in my diagnostic criteria for the purpose of categorization and consideration of alternative diagnoses over time. So for instance, we would define you has follows: Clinically definite MS (CDMS): Relapsing partial transverse myelitis with multifocal cord lesions, normal cranial MRI, CSF oligoclonal bands, negative myelitis workup (assuming workup done) Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Director of Hillcrest Neurology Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Question:
Diagnosis two months ago and would like to hear more about my condition and when would I have been probably come down with MS? I'm sure I might have had this back when I was a pre teenager, mother used to yell at me for being clumsy. I'm 62 years old and thought Mother was right now I'm not sure what to think about my diagnosis. Please respond with possible answers. Answer: You have not provided us with any details about your condition, so it is very difficult to answer your questions. I can tell you it is very possible you have had MS for many years, if not decades. Ask your neurologist some of your questions to start and we can try to answer any specific questions you may have concerning your particular set of problems or concerns. Good Luck Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I have a cousin that swears she has MS but has never been tested for it. Can I just look at you and say you have MS even when there has been no testing? She has had MRI's for something else but they don't have any lesions, is it possible she has MS or no? Answer: Please read our page on diagnosis for MS. Only a neurologist (preferably an ms specialist) can render the diagnosis. Another Q&A that would be helpful to read would be this...READ MORE A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Neurologist and MS Specialist at Kaiser Permanente Here is My Question:
I'm an elderly urban female with a childhood history of pertussis, histoplasmosis, and lots of pneumonia. Neuro symptoms at eighteen began with permanent severe fatigue, mild muscle soreness, and permanent loss of driving reaction time. Two years later--trigeminal neuralgia. Eight years later--two incidents of idiopathic (three week) hearing loss years later--two year disorientation. Permanent stiff neck. Hand tingling. Increasingly marked walking difficulty. Recent difficulty producing speech sounds and (oddly) hearing speeded up speech on electrical devices. (I'm using subtitles.) When I read and speak, the rhythm sounds like metrics now. One online site said it's MS or a brain tumor. I had a clear brain scan two years ago and have scheduled a Tesla 3 scan for Early November. My internist suspects MS (once diagnosed by a vascular specialist)" but with no examination the neurologist said one in a million chances lesions wouldn't have on the previous (two year old) scan. His 'exam' was having me shut my eyes without falling. He strongly suggested CFS, but the only symptom I have on the CFS llists is fatigue. No 'brain fog' problems. No lymph node swelling, etc. Opinion? Answer: It would be most unusual to experience MS for many decades without developing abnormalities on MR imaging. That being said, I am often told that an imaging study is normal or only reveal non-specific white matter hyperintensities, only to find on personal review that the MRI is anything but normal. There is also a strong possibility that this is not MS. The only symptom you experienced that is specific for MS is the Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is also frequently misdiagnosed and turns out to be migraine or trigeminal autonomic cephalgia or atypical facial pain. I would suggest seeing an MS specialist if you are concerned. After so many years, if you have MS it is certainly a relatively mild form of the disease; but I can certainly understand your interest in trying to understand the symptoms you’ve experienced off and on for so many years. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I am a 40 year old female. I had an episode of numbness and tingling and then a tremor about a year and half ago. We did MRIs of my spine and brain and they came back normal. All blood tests are normal. I saw an MS specialist and rheumatologist. All tests were normal. I just had an MRI brain a few months ago and it was normal. I still get tingling and numbness but it goes away quick. I have had bladder spams since this all started. Stiffness comes and goes in my legs. It is hard to climb stairs. I get tired easily. I was tested for Lyme disease and it was negative. Does MS take some time to show up? The MS specialist said the MRI is very definitive (99%) and she said MS is a very low possibility at this point. What can an expert tell me? Answer: It is quite uncommon for people with definite Multiple Sclerosis to have normal imaging of the brain and spinal cord over a several year interval. You should ask your doctor to tell you what he thinks is going on instead of telling you what you don’t have wrong with you. Prepare yourself with a list of questions and go to your meeting open minded and with someone you trust as a second ear. Try not to make up your mind about what is going on before you’ve heard completely from the doctor. If this is not satisfactory, it may be time to get a second opinion. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I am in search of a good MS Neurologist and have found one. I phoned the reception and they need an email from my current Neurologist or doctor. She asked what sort of MS I have and I told her inactive. She said to me "okay so it is not urgent" This is in France. I notice every time i say inactive, it seems its not important to be treated. I have a lot of pain in my right leg and I need a good Neurologist just to prescribe me some medicine for this pain. So is inactive not bad enough????regardless of my pain?? How does a Neurologist look at inactive versus active? Mind you inactive can turn active so I'm confused?? Answer: The response that you received regarding your “inactive” MS statement certainly suggests a lack of understanding of the new MS Classification system. Whether a person is ‘active’ or ‘inactive’ has little to do with either the number of health problems or symptoms they are experiencing or their severity. In your particular case being ‘inactive' simply means that you have not experienced a relapse or new a lesion on MRI since your last evaluation. In fairness to your doctors we all try to prioritize appointments for patients getting rapidly worse, either from a relapse or disease progression. This does not mean your concerns are not important or even urgent. Living with significant pain can create a number of detrimental long term affects. I would suggest avoiding the ‘active’ or ‘inactive’ terms when requesting an appointment and simply state that you have severe pain related to MS and need help. Good luck Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I'm a 49 year old female, and several months ago my vision seemed off! At first I though it was my glasses however it kept getting worse until February 3rd when driving to work everything was double, cars, lights, people, everything!! I left work and drove myself to the doctor (bad idea) but I made it and haven't driven sense. I was admitted to the hospital for a whole battery of test including a cat scan and an MRI which eliminated all the usual suspects and was told it was probably viral and should clear up in a few weeks but it didn't. So here I am 3 months later with no diagnosis and more symptoms. My left leg is now numb with itching and pain! I use a cane and walker to get around because my balance is affected, my short term memory and speech are off, and my eyes are dancing from side to side, and we won't talk about the other stuff. The 2nd MRI with a better machine shows 3mm ovoid T2 hyperintense focus posterior superior right temporal lobe, 3mm T2 hyperintense focus posterior inferior right temporal lobe, and 4mm T2 hyperintense focus right lateral midbrain. MRI conclusion says appearance is nonspecific but differential consideration particular given the hyperintense focus in the right lateral midbrain includes demyelinating process/multiple sclerosis. My neurologist says the lesions are not indicative of MS but has no other diagnosis. I'm sure my story is a common one with no definitive test for multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be a process off elimination. But as the patient the scariest part of this journey is the uncertainty off not knowing! I think an MRI with dye or spinal tap would give me a diagnosis but my neurologist is following a different path of physical therapy and a referral to a doctor to run test in cognitive issues. I already know my brain is messed up and physical therapy for what? I feel a neurologist who specializes in this disease would be able to see what is really wrong with me therefor I now have an appt on july 14th to see Dr. Kinkel himself, on cancellation list for first avail! what test do I need to get a diagnosis? Am I too old? Also I have had numbness in my arm for years, was that the beginning? and the heat knocks me out another MS sign? Any thoughts on this issue would be greatly appreciated, thank you. Answer: MS is a very good possibility and it may well be that you would benefit from additional testing. I am glad to hear you are scheduled to see me but why do you have to wait until July 14th? We have openings at Hillcrest and probably in La Jolla much earlier than July 14th. I would suggest calling my clinic coordinator, Shivon Carreno, at 619-543-5443. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
Is my neurologist confused? When my neurologist looked at my MRI he advised me that my MS was not active. When asked about my spine, he replied all was good but the radiologist were not sure. So I asked him again if it was not active and his response was again they were not certain. My diagnosis of my MRI 3 yrs before my recent one, was indeed just in my brain. Now I am wondering if in fact it is also in my spine? Can a Neurologist be confused???? Answer: There is always a level of uncertainty about the outcome of any test in medicine. This uncertainty can exist on several levels 1. The test may have a high degree of normal variability in a population and is not very specific for any condition. A physician who does not take this into consideration may use the test incorrectly and create confusion regarding the diagnosis. 2. There can be technical limitations of a test. For instance, adequate interpretation of an MRI scan can be limited by artifacts from movement, pulsation or metal objects. This is particularly a problem when trying to interpret an MRI of the spinal cord. A poorly trained observer may interpret and artifact as an MS lesion or vice versa. 3. The test is obtained in the wrong population and interpreted incorrectly. For instance, white spots on an MRI in a elderly patient rarely means MS but is more often (but not always) associated with MS in people under 35. The bottom line is that MRIs must be interpreted by experienced individuals and the interpretation must take into account an expert clinical evaluation. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
I am a 50 yr old female who was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS the month before I turned 50. My initial symptoms that lead to my diagnosis included numbness on the left side of my head, face and mouth, blurred vision in my left eye, complete loss of hearing in my left ear and lack of balance when walking. A brain MRI showed 4-5 lesions. Six weeks after the initial onset of symptoms, as my initial symptoms were subsiding, I began having sporadic numbness in my hands, feet, arms and legs. Most of my initial symptoms are gone now however the sporadic numbness has continued for approximately two months now. My questions are 1) Would the new symptoms that began 6 weeks after the initial symptoms be considered a second occurrence? 2) Given my age at diagnosis is it possible that I may have Primary Progressive MS not Relapsing Remitting MS? Answer: We arbitrarily define a relapse as the development of new or worsening symptoms consistent with inflammatory demyelination lasting for over 24 to 48 hours in the absence of a fever, infection or alternative cause AND during a relapse free period of at least a month. By this later time line criterion, your second set of symptoms would be considered a possible relapse if all other criteria were met, but the sporadic and fleeting nature of the symptoms suggests that perhaps we would not consider these later symptoms a relapse. Regardless of age relapsing forms of MS are usually more common than primary progressive MS. It is just that primary progressive MS becomes increasingly common in older age of onset patients. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program Professor of Clinical Neurosciences University of California San Diego Here is My Question:
First a little background on myself. It took me 10 years to get diagnosed. My Neurologist and I have discussed the fact that at the time of my diagnosis I may have already progressed to SPMS. I started taking Avonex, then Copaxone, tehn Tecfidera and finally Gilenya. Obviously the first three did not work out for me and I had a bad reaction to Gilenya. I also tested positive for the JC Antibodies ruling Tysabri, by my choice. Now I am not taking any DMT's. Since getting off any DMT I have noticed I have noticed a changed in my symptoms. I have become more moody and I have been having Migraines on a regular basis. I have also noticed my other symptoms have ramped up, being the pain in my legs and fatigue. So my question is as follows, is it possible that my MS is progressing as my Neurologist and I have theorized? And am I moving closer to SPMS if I am not already there? Thank you in advance for answering my question. Answer: The transition to Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) is not a single point in time, but in the real sense of the word--a transition. Individuals can still have relapses during this transition as well. With that said, we are trying to get away from these disease subtypes/monikers because it doesn't really help us much in terms of treatment recommendations. As a field, we are trying to move to a paradigm where we ask a very simple question: Is your MS still inflammatory? The reason why this is important is that our disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are designed to reduce inflammation. While it is true that we tend to see less signs of inflammation in the classically described SPMS (and primary progressive MS), there are individuals that still demonstrate inflammatory disease activity despite their diagnostic assignment to a progressive form of MS. Inflammatory disease activity is manifest by clinical attacks (or relapses) of MS, and signs of new, enlarging, or enhancing lesions on MRI of the brain and spinal cord. In my mind, these objective findings outweigh the older MS descriptors--that are somewhat arbitrary. In order to determine if someone is inflammatory (or progressing), this should be done with the help of a neurologist who has been tracking your exam over time (preferably with objective measures such as walking speed/time, cognitive performance testing, and the neurologic exam). This is important because not all symptoms (perhaps those you are describing) are due to new or inflammatory disease activity, but is a manifestation of older MS scars that are disrupting nerve signal transmission. There are many reasons that can occur, and the neurologist can help determine if this is the case. In many instances, conservative measures can go a long way in mitigating those symptoms (that are not due to a new MS attack) to make your function in daily activities easier. I would not necessarily interpret an increase in symptoms as a sign of progression to SPMS. That determination should be done with objective data obtained by a neurologist over time. Hope this helps. A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc Virginia Mason Multiple Sclerosis Center Question:
Why is NMO sometimes misdiagnosed as MS? How are the two so similar that a patient is originally diagnosed with MS, but years later, the diagnosis is changed to NMO Spectrum Disorder ? Answer: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is an autoimmune disorder in which immune system cells and antibodies mistakenly attack and destroy myelin cells in the optic nerves and the spinal cord. There are several reasons that patients with NMO are often misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis: 1. Both MS and NMO are associated with acute optic nerve and spinal cord involvement. While there are differences, subtle and not so subtle, that can help differentiate the two conditions, there are many times when an initial or subsequent attack of NMO simply appears to be a severe MS relapse. 2. MRI scans of the brain can appear relatively normal in both NMO and early MS, although this is far less common an occurrence with a definite case of MS. 3. Spinal fluid oligoclonal bands may be absent early in the course of MS, and are usually absent in cases of NMO. 4. The antibody test we use to help diagnose NMO (anti-Aquaporin 4 Ig antibodies) is very specific but only has a sensitivity of 65 to 75 %. This means that more than 25 % of people with NMO with have negative results. As you can see, most misdiagnoses occur early in the course of either condition. Therefore, the overriding reason for misdiagnosis is the urge to diagnosis MS too early (before it is possible) and failing to re-evaluate this diagnosis over time. Generally, if an individual has a severe transverse myelopathy or optic neuropathy with incomplete recovery, especially in the setting of longitudinally extensive white matter lesions in the spinal cord or optic nerve, neurologists should consider this a case of NMO until proven otherwise Revere Kinkel MD Director of the UCSD Multiple Sclerosis Program Here is My Question:
I was diagnosed approximately 2 yrs ago at age 51 with RRMS. I had searching for several years for a diagnosis with many symptom. My current EDSS score is between 6.5-7.0, and I go from cane, roller, to wheel chair (manual and motorized) depending on level of function on any given day. In researching my lineage for any family members who might have had MS, I found 7 family members who suffer(ed) with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). This finding included my Cousin, and (5-6) 2nd Cousins on my Fathers side of the family. There is also question if my Aunt might have also suffered from MD, although her spinal issues where never dx'd. I was very curious if there is any data on findings similar to this? Would it be common to find a family with that high of a percentage of MD and my dx of MS? Answer: The Muscular dystrophies (of which there are many different types) are very different diseases and easy to distinguish from Multiple Sclerosis. We know of no link between any of the muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis. The fact that you have many family members with MD simply confirms what we already know; the muscular dystrophies are inherited disorders and there are often many affected individuals in a given extended family Although it is usually very easy to distinguish MS from a Muscular dystrophy, I have known of worse diagnostic mistakes. If you are concerned about a mistake in diagnosis why not discuss this with your current doctor. After all it is unusual for a person with your level of disability to be considered relapsing remitting MS. If your current doctor is unable to allay your concerns, why not see a neuromuscular specialist for a second opinion. Revere Kinkel MD Director of the UCSD Multiple Sclerosis Program Question: I just found out that I have MS and my kids are 3 and 5. They are too young to understand but old enough to notice that something is wrong with mommy. Has anyone out there been through this or have any advice? I want to handle this the right way. Answer: A new diagnosis in a parent with young children is always a difficult time. Most guides are generally written for children over the age of 5, so I would suggest some modifications. It is most important to try to keep things simple for now, if possible.
Of course, your ability to follow this advice will depend on the type and severity of your problems. For most newly diagnosed parents, once you've recovered from your initial symptoms, the residual symptoms are primarily invisible, particularly fatigue. These symptoms can certainly interfere with normal parenting activities and will require some explanation to help avoid distress and behavioral changes in your children. The National MS Society has guides to help you discuss both your diagnosis and your symptoms with your children. The MSAA has books for you to read to your children (Mommy's Story, Daddy's Story) For young children, only discuss current symptoms that may alter your normal interactions with them. Avoid a large open ended discussion but make sure you answer any questions they have about MS. Keep answers brief and reassuring and ask if they understand. Since the kids are of widely different ages and maturity, have individual discussions geared to their maturity. I am sure there are many parents with MS reading these posts who may be able to provide more specific advice for you from their own experiences. Good luck and keep in touch. Revere (Rip) Kinkel MD Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center University of California San Diego |
PLEASE NOTE: This information/opinions on this site should be used as an information source only. This information does not create any patient-HCP relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
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