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When it comes to multiple sclerosis (MS), having the right doctors on your side is essential. Understanding the roles of the various specialists involved in treatment can make a big difference. MS can affect any part of the body, so how do you know which specialist to see for which problem? What types of providers are multiple sclerosis specialists? Who do you talk to first for a referral?
If you’re looking for more information about what type of doctor to see for MS symptoms, this article is for you. Here, we review the kinds of healthcare providers who might help treat MS and manage its symptoms.
Tap on the doctors below to learn more about doctors who treat MS.
Your primary care doctor helps manage your overall health and is usually your first point of contact for getting referrals to other types of doctors or specialists. This general practitioner is trained in either internal medicine or family medicine. They’re also often the first person you talk to when you have a health question, want advice on improving your fitness, or need a yearly checkup.
Primary care doctors keep track of your medical history, help manage common health conditions, order blood tests to screen for illness, and coordinate your care with other specialists.
One member of MyMSTeam described their comprehensive care with a primary care doctor. “I just got home from seeing my primary doctor. She is checking my kidney function out,” they said. “Since I’m not having any typical symptoms of high blood pressure, she’s thinking something is going on with my kidneys.”
Your primary care doctor is also trained to recognize when you may need specialized care and is a key partner in supporting your long-term health. They may be the first to notice early symptoms of MS during a routine checkup or when you bring up concerns at an appointment. They’re likely to refer you to a neurologist to evaluate any neurological (nerve-related) symptoms so you can get the right diagnosis.
If you’re living with MS, you likely have a neurologist to guide your MS treatment plan. If you’ve just recently been diagnosed, you likely have a new neurologist who’s now overseeing your healthcare or you may be looking for this type of specialist. Your neurologist often coordinates care with other specialists who treat MS-related problems.
Neurologists are doctors trained specifically to care for disorders of the nervous system. MS care falls into their scope of expertise. Your neurologist will determine which treatment options, including disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), are best for you. DMTs help slow the progression of MS and reduce the frequency and severity of relapses (periods when MS symptoms come back or get worse).
Your neurologist will figure out which medications are best suited to treat your neurological symptoms. Neurologists treat many MS symptoms, including:
In addition, neurologists prescribe medications to both prevent and treat relapses. If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms or have a question about your medication or its side effects, neurology is the next step. Your neurologist is the gateway doctor to all other specialists who can help treat an MS-related problem.
Members often share their experiences with neurologists and discuss why it’s important to find one with MS expertise. “I have a specialist in MS, and he really listens to me. I’ve tried so many different medications until I found the one I’m on now. It’s made a big difference, but it took lots of trial and error to find it. Please try to find a neurologist that specializes in MS — it makes a big difference,” one member wrote.
If you’re living with MS and have symptoms involving your eyes or your vision, you’ll need to see an ophthalmologist — a doctor trained specifically in eye care and disease. If you’re experiencing long-term blurry vision, double vision, blind spots, loss of vision, or eye pain, ask your doctor for a referral to see an ophthalmologist. If any of these symptoms come on suddenly, you should go to the nearest emergency room (ER) right away.
A urologist has specialized training in the treatment of diseases affecting urinary and reproductive systems. Many people living with MS experience problems managing bladder symptoms. If you have urinary incontinence, urinary retention, or erectile dysfunction, a urologist is the type of doctor who can help you. You’ll likely need a referral to see a urologist, so be sure to ask your neurologist.
A physiatrist, also known as a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, has specialized training in rehab medicine. They treat and prevent disabilities related to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), nerves, bones, and muscles. Physiatrists focus on improving overall physical function and quality of life, as well as reducing pain for people with disabilities.
Consider asking your neurologist for a referral to a physiatrist if you have limited physical functioning or need help with your pain. Having this type of doctor on your care team can help you improve your independence.
One MyMSTeam member shared their experience: “There are good MS physiatrists that can really help. Great strides have been made by MS physiatrists in dealing with a huge host of MS symptomatic problems.”
Some people with MS experience pain. If you have pain that’s severe, difficult to treat, or unresponsive to medications, it might be time to see a pain management doctor. This specialist is trained in anesthesiology or neurology with additional training in pain medicine. If you have any type of pain that’s not getting better, ask your neurologist or primary care doctor for a referral.
Many people living with MS experience stress or problems with mood, including depression and anxiety. Your mental health is important, and these problems can be treated. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating mental health and can prescribe medications. They often use medications and therapy together to treat mental health disorders. Support groups may also help.
“I’m still having problems with my anxiety. I made an appointment with my psychiatrist,” one MyMSTeam member said.
You’ll likely need a referral from either your primary care doctor or neurologist. It’s important to be open and honest with your doctors about mental health symptoms to make sure you get the best care.
If you think you’re having a relapse, or if you’re experiencing sudden weakness, dizziness, vision changes, facial drooping, or trouble speaking or walking, go straight to the ER. After you’ve been seen by an ER nurse, an emergency medicine doctor will evaluate you. This doctor is trained in diagnosing and treating emergency problems. If you’re having a problem related to MS or a neurological emergency, they’ll call a neurologist to evaluate you either in the ER or once you’re admitted onto a hospital floor.
One member of MyMSTeam described their experience: “Horrible day. Passed out, and lost bladder and bowel continence. Ambulance to ER. CT scan. Seeing my primary in the morning.”
Never delay going to the ER if you have a new and concerning symptom. Prompt treatment can help prevent disability and treat a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
Several types of therapists can help you manage specific symptoms. These health professionals work alongside doctors to help you feel and function your best. Ask your primary care doctor or neurologist for referrals.
Speech-language pathologists are trained to evaluate and treat disorders involving communication and swallowing. If you experience difficulties with speech (including slurred speech) or have trouble swallowing food, a speech-language pathologist is the best person to help you.
Occupational therapists are trained to help people improve their functioning and ability to perform important everyday tasks, such as eating, dressing, and toileting. If you have difficulty with activities of daily living, occupational therapy can help.
Physical therapists are trained to help people with movement and range of motion while managing pain, stiffness, and discomfort. If you have muscle weakness, walking difficulties, or trouble moving as well as you’d like, physical therapy may help.
Understanding the roles of different doctors is essential for comprehensive MS care. Neurologists play a central role in diagnosing and managing MS, while other specialists — including physical and occupational therapists, urologists, and mental health specialists — help address specific symptoms and improve daily functioning. Working with a team of doctors helps people with MS get support tailored to their needs, which can enhance quality of life and promote greater independence.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Are you living with MS and wondering which specialist to see for your symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.
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I Started Having This Pain In My Back , Then I Get Nauseous And My Legs Go Out , Does This Make Sense?
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Sadly, not all cities have psychiatrists that know much about MS. Bigger cities have MS psychiatrists who specialize. I'm not that lucky. My psych has no idea what I go thru even tho I tell him.
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