#090: Empowering the black MS community – advocacy, awareness, and support with Natalie Diana Busari
Release Date: 12/04/2024
#111: Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding with multiple sclerosis—my personal experiences
MS-Perspektive International
Learn more about my experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, prenatal classes, and breastfeeding with multiple sclerosis. You can read through the complete post on my blog: Today, I’m sharing my experiences of pregnancy, birth preparation, giving birth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding with MS. I’ve now had the privilege of experiencing this exciting time twice. Fortunately, everything went quite smoothly for me, and I want to encourage you to fulfill your dream of having children if that’s what you want. Are you currently thinking about having children or...
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#110: 10 things you should know about MRI scans for MS
MS-Perspektive International
Neuroradiologist Prof. Mike Wattjes explains in easy-to-understand terms what you need to know about MRI scans for MS. You can read through the transcript here: This time, I have translated the original German interview with Prof. Dr. Mike P. Wattjes on the importance of MRI as an imaging technique for diagnosis, progression assessment, therapy decisions, and monitoring of disease-modifying therapies in MS patients into English. Prof. Wattjes is the lead author of the MAGNIMS Guideline 2021, which provides global recommendations and standards for MRI examinations in people with...
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#109: Understanding Cognitive Reserve and Its Role in Multiple Sclerosis
MS-Perspektive International
Cognitive reserve is important for PwMS as it can compensate damage caused by MS to a certain amount. Learn how to measure and improve it. You can read through the complete article on my blog: I often talk about the cognitive reserve in my podcast and blog posts. When it is used up, the brain can no longer compensate for any damage that occurs. However, it is more of a concept and not that easy to grasp, this cognitive reserve, and of course it can also be used up in other ways. So it’s time to take a closer look at it. How can you measure it and what do you do with the result?...
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#108: How you can use ChatGPT (or another AI) to prepare for the doctor’s consultation
MS-Perspektive International
Find out how AI can help you to get a more structured doctor's appointment that allows you to address all important points. You can read through the article or copy the prompts and replacing the details with your symptoms and request: Today, I’ll show you how you can use AI, for example ChatGPT, to better prepare for your doctor’s appointment. I visit the MS Center in Dresden, Germany, once every quarter, and in all these years, it has happened often enough that I forgot to address important topics. There were different reasons for this. You probably know the feeling. When...
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#107: LGBTQ+ and MS: The Fight for Inclusive and Equitable Care with Dr. William Conte
MS-Perspektive International
Dr. William Conte talks about the challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ people with MS – and how inclusive, empathetic care can succeed. You can find the transcript on my blog: How do LGBTQ+ people with multiple sclerosis experience the healthcare system – and where do they encounter hurdles that often remain invisible? In this special episode, I talk to Dr. William Conte, a neuroimmunologist and member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, about a lack of representation, medical trust, mental health and the importance of affirmative, inclusive care. Dr. Conte brings not only...
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#106: Trigeminal neuralgia and MS – an invisible challenge. Interview with Dr. Monika Köchling
MS-Perspektive International
MS patients can also suffer from trigeminal neuralgia, which is very painful. Dr. Köchling explains the treatment. Translated interview. You can read the full article including the treatment details on my blog: This time, I've translated the German interview with Dr. Monika Köchling about the causes and treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia. Since this form of facial pain can lead to extreme restrictions in the quality of life, it is extremely important to treat it. The good news is that there are many approaches to controlling the pain or even getting rid of it completely....
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#105: The Sumaira Foundation & NMO: How One Woman’s Journey is Changing Lives Worldwide
MS-Perspektive International
Sumaira Ahmed turned her NMOSD diagnosis into a global movement, founding The Sumaira Foundation to support patients and drive research. You can read through all questions and answers on my blog: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease that can feel isolating and overwhelming. But for Sumaira Ahmed, her diagnosis became the spark that ignited a global movement. In this episode, we dive into her personal journey with NMO, the challenges she faced, and the resilience that led her to create The Sumaira Foundation (TSF)—an...
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#104: Leveraging AI in MS Care and Shared Decision-Making with Dr. Stefan Ebener
MS-Perspektive International
AI is transforming Multiple Sclerosis (MS) care by enhancing Shared Decision-Making (SDM), improving diagnosis, personalizing treatments, and empowering patients—discover the future of AI in MS with Dr. Stefan Ebener. You can read the short version of the interview on my blog: Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the management of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in shared decision-making (SDM) between patients and healthcare professionals. From early diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations to improving doctor-patient communication, AI-driven...
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#103: Can epigenetic research transform MS treatment? Insights into DNA methylation and MS progression with Dr. Majid Pahlevan Kakhki
MS-Perspektive International
Discover how epigenetic research is transforming multiple sclerosis treatment by uncovering the role of DNA methylation, gene regulation, and potential new therapies for MS progression. You can read through all questions and answers on my blog: Have you ever wondered how epigenetic mechanisms influence multiple sclerosis (MS) progression and why some people experience rapid disease worsening while others have a milder course? Could there be hidden biological switches beyond genetics affecting MS? In this deep dive, I explore the fascinating world of epigenetics with Dr. Majid...
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#102: MS and domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Raising awareness, offering support, creating change with Sue Britt
MS-Perspektive International
MS patients especially women are at higher risk of ewxperiencing domestic violence and abuse. Awareness is key followed to create change. You can read through the questions and answers on my blog: Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a silent crisis affecting millions worldwide – but what happens when a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis is part of the equation? Living with MS brings unique challenges, from mobility issues to cognitive changes that can make recognizing and escaping abusive situations even more difficult. Research on the intersection of MS and domestic...
info_outlineNatalie focuses primarily on advocacy, awareness and support in her work to empower women and girls from the black MS community.
You can read the whole interview on my blog: https://ms-perspektive.com/90-natalie-diana-busari
Living with multiple sclerosis can be an isolating experience, but what happens when you feel even more invisible because of your community, culture or ethnicity? I am delighted to be speaking today with Natalie Diana Busari, the founder and CEO of The Nerve Of My Multiple Sclerosis CIC. Natalie is a patient advocate dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by Black people living with MS, particularly Black women and girls, who are often underrepresented and underserved in research.
Through her organization, Natalie is not only amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, but also creating much-needed resources to empower individuals and build a more inclusive MS community. Whether it’s advocating for better representation in research, sharing personal experiences to inspire others, or helping patients navigate the healthcare system, Natalie’s work supports many people in their everyday lives.
In this episode, we will explore her journey from diagnosis to advocacy, discuss the unique challenges faced by Black people with MS, and learn about the initiatives that Natalie’s organization is driving to create lasting change. If you are seeking a deeper understanding of the diversity within the MS community or are a patient looking for empowerment and support, this interview is for you.
Be inspired by Natalie’s story, her resilience and her vision for a future in which inclusion and equality are the norm in MS care.
Introduction - who is Natalie Diana Busari?
Natalie Diana Busari is the founder of „The Nerve Of My Multiple Sclerosis CIC.“ This organisation is dedicated to supporting and representing Black individuals living with multiple sclerosis, with a primary focus on Black women and girls.
Fun Fact: Natalie is passionate about design and enjoys drawing in her spare time. She also has a background in web design and development, which continues to influence her work today.
Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with individuals living with MS?
To individuals living with MS: remember that there is life beyond diagnosis. You are not alone; there is a supportive community ready to help you navigate this journey.
How and where can interested people find you online?
You can find Natalie online through „The Nerve Of My Multiple Sclerosis.“ Stay tuned for updates as they are currently working on enhancing their online presence! But in the mean time you can type “the nerve of my ms on most social media platforms and we will be there.
Thank you for tuning in!
It’s fantastic and very much needed to have people like Natalie around to raise awareness for underrepresented groups of MS patients. And I’m sure that she will keep on making a difference.
See you soon and try to make the best out of your life,
Nele
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