Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. MS can cause many symptoms, including blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness, bladder and bowel dysfunction and more (see the challenge attachment for more detail). These problems may come and go or persist and worsen over time. MS patients struggle with a loss of independence and ability to plan or do activities because they don’t know how they would feel each day.

Patients don’t want to give up doing things they love and just want to feel as normal as possible. By tracking their symptoms and activities, patients may achieve a level of predictability and control. This results in patients understanding their ‘individual MS’ and experiencing less stress, better planning and enjoying their lives. In addition, the more accurately patients’ can recall symptoms and the issues that are affecting them, the better the conversation is with their health care provider which ultimately leads to a more informed therapeutic decision.