A 45-year-old patient newly diagnosed with MS asks about his prognosis for the future. Teaching about the future might include stating: 1. “The condition is a progressive neurologic disease, and you...

A 45-year-old patient newly diagnosed with MS asks about his prognosis for the future. Teaching about the future might include stating:

1. “The condition is a progressive neurologic disease, and you will likely end up using a wheelchair or scooter. You might start equipping your house to be wheelchair accessible.”

2. “With the new immune-modifying drugs available as treatment, you will not even be able to tell you have the disease.”

3. “MS may begin with exacerbations and remissions, but it will eventually develop into a progressive disease, affecting your entire neurologic system and, thus, your whole body.”

4. “The condition is a periodic demyelination of the central nervous system, often with periods of remissions and exacerbations. It is a manageable disease, and there are many patients who live active and rewarding lives. Use of the new immune-modifying agents will help reduce exacerbations.”