Jodi Haartsen is a neurologist based in Melbourne, VIC, Australia. She looks after people who are dealing with neurological conditions, with a strong focus on Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
MS can be a bit of a rollercoaster. Symptoms may come and go, and flare-ups can affect day-to-day life at work, at home, and with family. In many cases, Jodi helps people understand what is happening in their nervous system, and what treatment options might help when symptoms settle or when they flare up again.
A key part of her clinical work is relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). This is the type of MS where there are relapses, meaning new or worse symptoms can show up over time. She takes a practical approach to review symptoms, check progress, and talk through next steps so patients have a clear plan.
Neurology care isn’t just about scans and medicines. It also involves day-to-day support, like talking about fatigue, mobility concerns, sensation changes, and how these can affect routine life. At times it can help to set goals that are realistic, such as managing flare-ups sooner, improving function, and keeping treatment steady.
Over time, she works with patients to make sense of their condition, especially when things feel unclear or unpredictable. People may also need help with decision-making around ongoing care, including how to respond if symptoms change.
Jodi’s experience is in caring for MS patients as part of her work as a neurologist. Her training is in neurology, which helps her assess MS in a way that makes sense for each person’s situation.
MS treatment moves along, and research keeps improving what doctors can offer. Jodi stays up to date with current approaches and new developments, so care can reflect what is known now, not what was only learned years ago.
Clinical trials can be an option for some people with MS, depending on the situation. Where trials are relevant, she can discuss whether this is something worth looking into as part of the broader care plan.
