Multiple Sclerosis Pathway - Symptom Management

When is it a relapse?

Changes in your symptoms can indicate a relapse if:

your Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been relatively stable for at least 30 days;
suddenly old MS symptoms get worse, or new symptoms appear;
it feels different from normal day-to-day changes in how you feel;
the new symptoms (or worsening) last for more than 24 hours;
there is no other explanation (like stress, cold or flu, exertion, etc.).

Contact your MS care team if you think you are having a relapse. To learn more, visit managing relapses. However, most changes in symptoms are just fluctuations in day to day symptoms of MS.

Excellent resources on symptom management for people with MS are available from many sources. Find pathway-recommended information from these sources:

To keep notes about your symptoms you can use a diary or journal, a smart phone app, or a simple tracking document. When recording your symptoms, consider including:

A description of the symptoms (what symptom, where in the body, severity, duration, etc.).
If the symptoms are new, a worsening of old symptoms, or stable.
When symptoms started (and stopped, if they stopped).
What makes the symptoms better? What makes them worse?
Was there any clear trigger for the symptoms (e.g. injury, illness, overheating, etc.).

The best strategy for managing symptoms of MS is to have open and frank conversations with your health care providers about your symptoms, even if your experiences are personal or difficult to discuss. Your family doctor or an MS nurse can help answer your questions and suggest which health care provider you should see to investigate and manage your symptoms.

Finding a care provider in Saskatchewan

Depending on your unique symptoms, many different care providers may be involved in helping to keep you well, safe and comfortable. The following links may help you to identify medical care providers closest to your home.

Specialists and some public programs will still require a referral from your MS care team (neurologist, family doctor or MS nurse educator) prior to making an appointment for you. When you make an appointment directly with a private sector provider such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist or orthotist, be sure to confirm the cost and find out what is covered by your health insurance.

Locate a physiotherapist

Sask Physiotherapy Association (search by community and area of practice or conditions treated)

Locate a public funded therapy program

Locate a specialist physician

Psychologist
Physiatrist
Ophthalmologist
Urologist

For assistance in finding a specialist consult the MS Society, or visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons on-line directory.

You pharmacist may also be able to assist in some aspects of MS care.

Orthoptic programs

Eye Centre
Pasqua Hospital
4101 Dewdney Avenue
Regina, SK S4T 1A5
Phone: 306-766-2483, Fax: 306-766-2769
Eye Care Center
Saskatoon City Hospital
701 Queen St.
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M7
Phone: 306-655-8094, Fax: 306-655-8119