An MS symptom diary is exactly what it sounds like. As mentioned above, the diary can be electronic or old-school, but ideally the entries should include the date, time, and symptoms you experienced, as well as the environment you were in or activity you were doing when they occurred.
Keeping track of your symptoms is an effective and inexpensive (often free) tool that has a lot of benefits, says Vargas. The pros of keeping a symptom diary include the following:
1. It Can Help Identify the Start of Relapses
MS symptoms can change from day to day, and sometimes it’s hard to tell whether you’re experiencing a temporary flare-up or something more significant. A diary can make those distinctions clearer.
“A diary of your symptoms helps your neurologist determine if changes suggest a relapse, progression, or a side effect of a medication,” Vargas says. By noting when a new symptom begins or when existing symptoms worsen, you and your neurologist can identify potential relapses sooner.
2. It Helps Differentiate Between Relapses and Pseudoexacerbations
Not every symptom flare is a relapse, which by definition means there’s new inflammation in the central nervous system. Sometimes heat, stress, or an infection can temporarily worsen symptoms, but without new inflammation in the central nervous system. These are known as pseudoexacerbations.
A diary can help you track how long the symptoms last. If they clear up in less than 24 hours, it’s a pseudorelapse or pseudoexacerbation and not a true relapse.
3. It Can Reveal Triggers
Recording your symptoms and daily circumstances can reveal what’s triggering your symptoms or relapses.
As you document these things, you may start to notice connections — for example, elevated temperatures leading to blurred vision, or increased stress leading to worsening fatigue, says Vargas.
“Recognizing patterns is essential in symptom management, as it empowers you to make lifestyle adjustments and thus avoid overmedicating for symptoms that can easily be avoided,” she says.
Studies have found that people with chronic conditions like MS who use self-tracking tools feel more aware of how habits influence fatigue, mood, and mobility, which fosters a greater sense of control and more confidence when discussing symptoms with a doctor.
“Over time, you’ll better understand what’s normal for you and what feels new or concerning,” says Vargas. “That helps us act earlier if needed.”
4. It Tracks the Effectiveness of Treatments
A diary can provide valuable information about the effectiveness of treatments.
“Noting symptom changes after a new medication, physical therapy routine, or any other recommended intervention will help us identify what may be a side effect, assess what’s working and we should continue, and what is not and we should stop,” says Vargas.
5. It Can Help Identify Health Problems Not Caused by MS
Not every symptom is necessarily tied to MS. Tracking can reveal when an issue may be unrelated — for example, a new kind of pain, like headaches or joint pain.
Having a record of your experiences gives healthcare providers context and can prompt them to look for other causes.
“If something doesn’t match your typical MS symptoms, it can prompt your care team to look for other causes,” Vargas says.
6. It Improves Communication With Your Doctor
Recalling symptom details at appointments can be difficult, especially if you’re feeling stressed or rushed. A diary provides concrete examples to discuss, such as how long fatigue lasted or how often balance issues occurred.
“It facilitates better communication and makes the visit more efficient,” says Vargas.
Reviewing your diary right before your appointment is also a good idea, she adds.
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