Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects your central nervous system – the brain, spine and optic nerves. When you have MS, your body’s immune system attacks nerve fibers, which are similar to electrical wiring. When this wiring is damaged, your brain cannot properly deliver messages to the rest of your body. Therefore, the disease can affect your entire body, from memory issues and fatigue to the ability to walk or see.
The disease varies in its severity; the mild cases sometimes go undetected while more severe MS may reduce longevity. There are four general “disease courses” that many patients go through. Knowing which course or type of MS you have can help you receive the right type of care.
- Relapsing-Remitting – Most common type of MS up to 85% of patients. It starts with gradual onset of neurological symptoms lasting days to weeks (relapse) and eventually resolving (remission). Most common presenting symptom is vision loss in one eye, it may also present as difficulty walking, dizziness, or double vision among others.
- Secondary-Progressive – Advanced phase of gradually worsening symptoms with no remission.
- Primary-Progressive – Gradual worsening of symptoms from onset.
- Progressive-Relapsing – Gradual worsening of symptoms from onset with occasional relapses.
The causes of MS are not yet known but it is known to be an autoimmune condition in which the immune system causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
Tests
The neurologists at the UHealth Department of Neurology Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence are experts in the field of MS and can usually make a diagnosis quickly and accurately.
MRI
The purpose of an MRI is to find evidence of abnormalities in the brain or spinal cord, supportive of a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Lumbar Puncture
This is a diagnostic study to test the cerebrospinal fluid to help diagnose certain conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Laboratory Testing
The purpose of specific laboratory tests is to rule out conditions that mimic Multiple Sclerosis.
Treatments
Modifying Therapies (DMT)
Disease modifying therapies are medications that prevent the immune system from creating inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, changing the course of Multiple Sclerosis and slowing progression of the disease. There are more than 25 different therapies available today and that number is growing. These medicines may be pills, injections, or intravenous (IV) infusions, each with their own benefits and side effects.
Multidisciplinary Care
This is a disease that can affect your entire body and may cause a variety of symptoms including: fatigue, frequent urination, depression, muscle stiffness, pain, memory and vision loss. Our multidisciplinary medical team includes specialists in ophthalmology, physical therapy, pain management, urology, psychiatry and neuropsychology, who can customize the treatment plan to address your symptoms.
Why Choose UHealth?
Your partner in helping you treat and manage your MS. Our Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence is dedicated to providing the best in diagnostic tools and comprehensive care to our patients. We are not just a team of neurologists – we believe in providing our patients with a multi-disciplinary approach through highly specialized, expert care from our:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
Center for comprehensive MS care. The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center of Excellence is a National MS Society affiliated program which offers services in Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Plantation, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Patients by a medical team of MS experts – MS neurologists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Medical Assistants and Clinical Patient Representatives to help meet each of your needs.
State-of-the-art facilities. You will have access to better diagnostic tools to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment to help reduce long-term disability. At our infusion lab, you can receive intravenous drug therapy and neurological imaging that uses MRI to track the disease.
Our commitment to our patients. We are focused on your specific needs. That is why we insist on doing everything possible to establish and enhance a strong quality of life for our MS patients and their families.
Clinical Trials. Our center is at the forefront of research studies of novel medications for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
Education and empowerment. We empower our patients and their families to learn about and take charge of their treatment by educating themselves. We provide extensive resources for effectively managing MS and its symptoms and we encourage our patients to live life to the fullest, including working and remaining active in their communities.
Questions? We're here to help.
Our appointment specialists are ready to help you find what you need. Contact us today.