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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

Although you're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or general practitioner, he or she may refer you to a doctor trained in nervous system disorders (neurologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and to know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
  • Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information you get during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something you missed or forgot.
  • Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. For multiple sclerosis, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • Will my condition progress?
  • What treatments are available?
  • What are the side effects of each treatment?
  • What treatment do you feel would be best for me?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Are there restrictions I need to follow?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor likely will ask you a number of questions, such as:

  • When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
  • Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • Does anyone in your family have multiple sclerosis?
Tests and diagnosis Complications
References
  1. Multiple sclerosis: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm. Accessed Aug. 7, 2012.
  2. Olek MJ. Epidemiology and clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  3. Olek MJ. Treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  4. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Sept. 13, 2012.
  5. Olek MJ. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  6. Olek MJ. Treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  7. Foley F, et al. Taming stress in multiple sclerosis. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/stress/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 24, 2012.
  8. Harmon M. Exercise as part of everyday life. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/exercise/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  9. Baclofen. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  10. Tizanidine hydrochloride. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  11. Olek MJ. Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 19, 2012.
  12. Bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant/. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  13. Heat and temperature sensitivity. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/exacerbations/heattemperature-sensitivity/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  14. Food for thought: MS and nutrition. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/nutirtion-and-diet/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  15. Healthy living with MS. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/healthy-living/index.aspx. Accessed Sept. 25, 2012.
  16. Weinshenker BG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 2, 2012.
  17. Olek MJ. Comorbid problems associated with multiple sclerosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  18. Tysabri (prescribing information). Cambridge, Mass.: Biogen Idec; 2012. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  19. Medication guide: Tysabri. Biogen Idec. http://www.biogenidec.com/therapies_tysabri.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
  20. Medication guide: Aubagio. Genzyme Corporation. https://www.aubagio.com/. Accessed Dec. 3, 2012.
DS00188 Dec. 15, 2012

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