The type of doctor you'll see depends on which condition you have. Neurologists (doctors who specialize in the nervous system) usually diagnose and treat people with MS. Primary care doctors and rheumatologists (doctors who specialize in joints, muscles, and other tissues) typically treat people with fibromyalgia.

What is the best doctor to see for MS?

A neurologist -- a doctor who specializes in treating the disease -- should be able to help. They'll ask how you're feeling and help you figure out if your symptoms mean you have MS or another problem.

What kind of doctors handle MS?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Doctors

• PCP.
• Neurologist.
• Neuropsychologist.
• Nurse.
• Social worker.
• Psychologist.
• Physiatrist.
• PT.

What professionals help with multiple sclerosis?

Health professionals involved in the management of MS

• MS nurse.
• Neurologist.
• Physiotherapist.
• Occupational therapist.
• Continence advisor.
• Speech and language therapist.
• Dietitian.
• Psychologist/neuropsychologist.

Is rheumatoid arthritis a symptom of MS?

Patients with MS had a higher incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (age-adjusted standardized incidence ratio: 1.72; 95% confidence interval = 1.01–2.91). There was a positive correlation in being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in patients previously diagnosed with MS when stratified by sex and age.

Multiple sclerosis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

17 related questions found

What are symptoms of MS in a woman?

MS symptoms in females include the following.

• Vision problems. For many people, a vision problem is the first noticeable symptom of MS. ...
• Numbness. ...
• Fatigue. ...
• Bladder problems. ...
• Bowel problems. ...
• Pain. ...
• Cognitive changes. ...
• Depression.

Can MS be mistaken for arthritis?

MS and lupus do have several things in common, however. The arthritis that accompanies lupus can often be mistaken for joint and muscle stiffness and pain caused by MS. The two diseases can also leave you feeling very tired. MS and lupus are also alike in that symptoms can come and go.

What does a neurologist do to check for MS?

Neurological examination

Your neurologist will look for abnormalities, changes or weakness in your vision, eye movements, hand or leg strength, balance and co-ordination, speech and reflexes. These may show whether your nerves are damaged in a way that might suggest MS.

Does a neurologist treat MS?

Get to Know Your Team. Your care team leader is often a doctor called a neurologist, who specializes in treating conditions like MS that affect the nervous system. They can help you manage symptoms such as weakness, tremors, and changes in thinking, which happen because of problems with your nerves.

Can a primary doctor diagnose MS?

Many people rely on their primary care physician to manage their health and their neurologists to diagnose and treat their MS, but there are specialists that can help with the treatment, maintenance, and prevention of signs and symptoms of MS that can help you achieve the best possible outcomes despite living with ...

Can an internist diagnose MS?

Although diagnosis falls under the expertise of neurologists, general internists are often closely involved in MS care, from recognizing the first symptoms to treating or preventing complications.

Is MS an autoimmune disease?

MS is an autoimmune condition. This is when something goes wrong with the immune system and it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body – in this case, the brain or spinal cord of the nervous system. In MS, the immune system attacks the layer that surrounds and protects the nerves called the myelin sheath.

How do you get checked for MS?

A complete neurological exam and medical history are needed to diagnose MS . There are no specific tests for MS . Instead, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis often relies on ruling out other conditions that might produce similar signs and symptoms, known as a differential diagnosis.

When should you suspect multiple sclerosis?

People should consider the diagnosis of MS if they have one or more of these symptoms: vision loss in one or both eyes. acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body. acute numbness and tingling in a limb.

What are the warning signs of MS?

Here are some of the more common symptoms of MS:

• Vision problems. Visual problems are one of the most common symptoms of MS. ...
• Tingling and numbness. ...
• Pain and spasms. ...
• Fatigue and weakness. ...
• Balance problems and dizziness. ...
• Bladder and bowel dysfunction. ...
• Sexual dysfunction. ...
• Cognitive problems.

What does an MS hug feel like?

The 'MS hug' is symptom of MS that feels like an uncomfortable, sometimes painful feeling of tightness or pressure, usually around your stomach or chest. The pain or tightness can stretch all around the chest or stomach, or it can be just on one side.

Can a neurologist tell you if you have MS?

“Only a neurologist can establish a diagnosis of MS,” says Lana Zhovtis Ryerson, MD, a neurologist and an assistant professor of neurology at the NYU Langone Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center in New York City. Many other conditions may have similar symptoms to MS, and a neurologist can best sort these out.

Can a neuro ophthalmologist diagnose MS?

A neuro-ophthalmologist is in the middle, handling brain issues that affect vision. Neuro-ophthalmologists treat many vision disorders in addition to those associated with MS. For instance, stroke, aneurysms and brain tumors can all present with visual problems.

Will MS show on MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging has become the single most useful test for the diagnosis of MS; MRI is sensitive to brain changes which are seen in MS. Classically, the MRI shows lesions in the white matter deep in the brain near the fluid spaces of the brain (the ventricles).

Does multiple sclerosis show up on EMG?

The test can also measure the ability of peripheral nerves to conduct impulses. EMG results are usually normal in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, as MS doesn't affect the peripheral nervous system. EMG — See Electromyography.

What are reflexes like with MS?

Motor. Weakness is common. It usually reflects corticospinal tract damage in the spinal cord, affects the lower extremities preferentially, and is bilateral and spastic. Deep tendon reflexes (eg, knee and ankle jerks) are usually increased, and an extensor plantar response (Babinski sign) and clonus are often present.

Can you have MS with a clear MRI?

MS can be present even with a normal MRI and spinal fluid test although it's uncommon to have a completely normal MRI. Sometimes the MRI of the brain may be normal, but the MRI of the spinal cord may be abnormal and consistent with MS, so this also needs to be considered.

Do your joints hurt with MS?

At least half of those living with multiple sclerosis experience MS-related joint pain. Joint pain is associated with other symptoms of MS, including muscle weakness, balance and coordination issues, and muscle spasms. A person should see their doctor if they are experiencing new or worsening symptoms of MS.

Does MS show up in blood work?

No blood test can diagnose MS individually. However, the doctor may order blood testing to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. Blood testing can rule out the following health problems: Lyme disease.

What does MS back pain feel like?

Brief, intense pain that runs from the back of the head to the spine. Burning or aching across the body, which is also called the “MS hug” Aches caused by stiffness or muscle spasms.