How to use this site

This web site has been designed to be started at the beginning and worked through page by page to the end.

We recommend that the first time you use this site, you just use the green 'Next' arrows at the bottom of each page to work through to the end. As you change pages, the left hand menu will show you where you are in the site. Use this menu later to revisit pages. Items that appear in bold in this menu are recommended reading while the paler indented items are optional supplementary reading.

Before you start

It may take 45 minutes or more to go through the site and you may prefer to do this in one sitting or several. You may also wish to read it through with a partner or friend.

Make notes

There is a lot of information to take in as you read through, so you might want to make notes on anything which you consider to be of particular importance to you. If you are considering a self administered DMD (interferon beta or glatiramer acetate), then later in this site you will be able to complete an interactive section to help you prioritise the benefits and drawbacks of each drug - your notes may be helpful.

Printer Friendly option

Most pages have a 'Print' symbol at the top and bottom right next to the green arrows. Use this instead of your browser's print button to print out the complete main page without the menus and buttons. We do recommend that you print out the Decision Aid Summary Document and take it with you when you next visit your neurology centre.

Text size

You may change the size of the main text using the M : L : XL selector under the left hand menu. For even larger text sizes, use your browser's text options (e.g. from the 'Text Size' option in Internet Explorer's 'View' menu) or in some browsers by holding the Ctrl key and pressing the + or – keys to enlarge or reduce the text.

Site Search facility

At the bottom of the left hand menu is a search box that allows you to find references to words or phrases within this website. When you click on a search result, you will be taken to that page. To return to the Results list, click the search button again or use your browser's Back button.

Medical terms

Throughout the site, words shown in green with a dotted underline have a definition attached to them. Holding your mouse over them (or tabbing to them) will cause a definition box to appear. These may also be accessed at any time from the Glossary page in the top menu.

Drug names

Drug names used on the site are generally written with the generic name (the active compound) followed in brackets by the manufacturer's brand name. e.g. Ibuprofen (Nurofen®).

Information on research studies

Where research studies are referred to, we have summarised the results in non-technical terms. For more detailed information, the links in the 'References' section lead to the original research papers.