How Keep a Symptom Diary for Multiple

Sclerosis MS

Keeping a symptom diary can help you and your doctor track your multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This information can be helpful in managing your MS and making treatment decisions.

Here are some tips for keeping a symptom diary:

* Start by writing down your symptoms as soon as you notice them. This will help you to remember details and patterns that may be important.

* Be as specific as possible when describing your symptoms. This includes things like the location, intensity, duration, and any other details that you think may be relevant.

* Also track any factors that may trigger or worsen your symptoms, such as stress, heat, or fatigue.

* Include any treatments or therapies that you are using, as well as any side effects that you experience.

* Review your symptom diary regularly, such as once a week or once a month. This will help you to see how your symptoms are changing over time and to identify any trends.

When you see your doctor, bring your symptom diary with you. This will help your doctor to understand your MS and to make the best treatment decisions for you.

Here is a template that you can use to keep a symptom diary:

Date:

*Symptoms:

Location:

Intensity: (0-10 scale, 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain imaginable)

Duration:

Description:

Triggers or Worsening Factors:

Stress

Heat

Fatigue

Other:

Treatments or Therapies:

Medication:

Doses:

Side Effects:

Other Therapies:

Other Notes: