Past Episodes

MS symptoms can worsen, and relapses can occur. And when that happens, how do you know whether you require immediate medical care? When is it time to go to the hospital? Dr. Kalina Sanders joins me to talk about when it's time to seek immediate medical care for MS. Dr. Sanders is a board-certified neurologist who specializes in multiple sclerosis and spasticity management at Baptist Health in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. We're also talking about MS care in the United Arab Emirates with Profess...

This special episode of RealTalk MS is sponsored by EMD Serono and is only intended for a U.S. audience. EMD Serono is the healthcare business of Merck, KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the United States and Canada. In this special episode of RealTalk MS, Dr. Mary Rensel and Amanda Montague join me to explore HCP (Healthcare Provider) burnout and patient empowerment; and we'll be taking a close look at how patients and their healthcare providers can work together to support one another. Dr. Mary R...

The new year brings with it several significant benefits for many people affected by MS. We're reviewing how the nearly 400,000 people with MS who rely on Medicare for their health insurance will save thousands of dollars, how people with MS who currently have medical debt will see a big improvement on their credit report, and how people who fly with their mobility device will see major improvements in how the airlines treat them. We're also talking with Craig Bianco about his experience as a m...

There are genetic risks associated with MS, there are demographic risks of experiencing a more severe disease course, and there are also behavioral and lifestyle risks that will increase the chance that someone will be diagnosed with MS. Joining me today to discuss behavioral and lifestyle MS risk factors and how they can be mitigated are Doctor Jared Bruce and Dr. Amanda Bruce. Dr. Jared Bruce is a neuropsychologist and the director of psychiatric research at the University of Missouri-Kansas ...

One of the most important MS research events every year is the annual European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS Scientific Congress, usually referred to by its acronym, ECTRIMS. You've made our podcast episode that followed ECTRIMS the most downloaded episode of the year. So, this week, I'm revisiting the two conversations that I had immediately after the ECTRIMS conference ended. In what has become an annual tradition, it's my privilege to sit down with the National MS Society's Exe...

The holiday season provides me with an opportunity to indulge in what's become a RealTalk MS tradition. I reserve the last two episodes of the year to revisit the most compelling and important conversations that I've had over the past year. This week, I'm revisiting two conversations I had with two experts on MS and women's health issues. MS affects women almost 3 times more frequently than it affects men, which should make understanding how MS might impact other women's health issues a priorit...

There's an alarming shortage of neurologists in the United States. That shortage makes it hard to be seen by a neurologist and, in some regions of the U.S., you may not even find an MS specialist without having to travel hundreds of miles. The good news is now there's an app for that! Joining me to talk about how an app called BeCare is already changing the game when it comes to MS care is the Chief Medical Officer of BeCareLink, Dr. Charisse Litchman. The FDA has designated Tolebrutinib as a ...

If you're living with MS, you've probably already learned that hot weather, hot baths, or anything that causes your body temperature to increase can quickly cause your symptoms to worsen. But winter can also be a challenging time. Less daylight, frigid temperatures, ice, and snow can all have an impact on MS. Dr. Lisa Doggett returns to the podcast with tips and strategies for enjoying winter while staying healthy, safe, and warm. We'll also remind you that the International Progressive MS All...

Disease-modifying therapies work, and, as a result, people with MS are living longer. With half the MS population over the age of 55, it's never been more urgent to understand how the process of aging impacts MS and how MS impacts the process of aging. In this special episode of RealTalk MS, Dr. Leorah Freeman discusses the many factors associated with aging with MS. This special episode of RealTalk MS is sponsored by Viatris. SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS Just copy this link & paste it in...

More effective treatments and even cures for MS can only happen as a result of clinical research. And clinical research can only happen when people living with MS choose to become research participants. But what are the pros and cons that you should consider when you're thinking about participating in MS research? The National MS Society's Associate Vice President of Research, Dr. Kathy Zackowski, returns to the podcast to discuss the risks and benefits of participating in clinical research. We...