TURN YOUR PASSION 
INTO PURPOSE: 
FUNDRAISE FOR THE 
MS COMMUNITY! 
Bring your community together to 
make a difference! By organizing a 
local fundraiser for the 
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, you’re 
providing critical support to fund 
free programs and services for 
those living with MS. 
 
Whether it’s a bake sale, a fun run, 
or a creative event, every effort 
helps improve lives. Together, we 
can turn compassion into action. 
Start your fundraising journey today 
and help create better days for 
the MS community.
Contact Debra Forman 
888-673-6287 or 
debra@msfocus.org
42
msfocusmagazine.org
 
     Medicine & Research
take that into account if you take it at the start of 
the day. Many people using this medication 
for spasms take it only before bedtime or take 
a larger dose at bedtime and a smaller dose 
to keep spasms in check during waking hours. 
Dear MS Nurse, 
I just got an MS diagnosis. There are only 
a few lesions in my brain and none on my 
spinal cord. I have two O-Bands. The doctor 
tells me I only “have a hint of MS” and it does 
not currently warrant treatment. What are 
your thoughts? – KJH 
Binns: Even lesions that are not causing symptoms 
can cause disease progression leading to disability 
over time if left untreated. I would recommend 
a second opinion from an MS clinic (even if it 
requires travel). Diagnostic criteria were updated 
a year ago to better inform individuals with a 
diagnosis and treatment plan. 
Dear MS Nurse, 
I fell in public for the first time yesterday 
while I was grocery shopping. I fall a lot at home. 
I was using my rollator to put groceries on it 
and overreached and lost my balance. The 
Have a question for 
Cherie, the MS Nurse? 
Reach her at: 
cherie@msfocus.org, 
or call 888-MSFocus and leave 
a message at extension 125.
thing is, I never feel like I am falling and 
don’t realize I have fallen until I find myself 
on the floor. Is this normal?  – Janet N. 
Binns: If you are falling at all, you need to see a 
physical therapist to be sure you are using the 
right ambulatory aids to keep you safe. A  
shopping cart will likely provide far better  
support (and storage space) than a rollator does. 
Most stores provide free scooters as well. As to 
the not knowing you are falling until you are on 
the floor – this is concerning and I would  
suggest a seizure disorder or TIA (often called a 
mini stroke). Please mention this to your  
primary care physician and be assessed to 
make sure you are not overlooking something 
that is treatable. Not everything is MS-related.

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