Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that develops when your immune system attacks your central nervous system. With treatment advances available at MU Health Care, we can help manage MS symptoms and improve your quality of life.

To support you and your family, we’ve assembled a team of experienced MS specialists at MU Health Care. Here, your care team includes:

Neurologists: Manage the overall diagnosis and treatment of MS.
Neuro-ophthalmologists: Treat inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), which is common in MS.
Urologists: Care for bladder issues related to MS.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists: Physicians who treat stiff muscles (spasticity) and other MS symptoms.
Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists: Collaborate on the rehabilitation team to improve your function.
Psychiatrists and neuropsychologists: Can help manage depression and other mental health issues.

MU Health Care has all the specialists you need right here to help manage your multiple sclerosis.

MS Symptoms

Possible signs of MS include:

Blurred or double vision, decreased color vision or loss of vision
Changes in bowel habits
Changes in sexual function
Cognitive changes, such as poor concentration or memory loss
Decreased sensation in the torso
Difficulty walking
Dizziness
Emotional changes including depression
Eye pain
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or stiffness
Numbness or tingling in the face, limbs or body
Poor coordination
Speech or swallowing difficulties
Tremors
Urinary incontinence

How to See Our MS Specialists

If you have symptoms that concern you or you’ve been diagnosed with MS, our neurologists can help. Your primary care doctor, ophthalmologist, urologist or other specialist can refer you to our MS team. If you have to travel to see us, we can work with your local neurologist to manage your care.

Our MS specialists can also provide second opinions on your diagnosis or treatment.

Types of MS

We treat all types of multiple sclerosis, including:

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): Includes flare-ups of symptoms with no worsening in between them.
Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS): Starts as flare-ups and continues to get worse over time without flare-ups.
Primary-progressive MS (PPMS): Usually involves a steady worsening of symptoms without distinct flare-ups.

We also treat clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which is a single episode of MS-like symptoms. For example, people with CIS may have numbness or weakness in their limbs or vision problems.

MS Diagnosis at MU Health Care

For your first appointment, you’ll meet with a neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating MS. Your neurologist will ask questions about your medical and family history. They will also perform a neurological exam that checks your muscles, reflexes, nerves, walking, balance and other factors.

Your neurologist may also recommend advanced testing for MS, which is available at MU Health Care.

Tests for MS

No single test can determine if you have MS, so we may order several tests, including:

Blood tests: Help rule out other conditions that may cause your symptoms.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Look for areas of scarring (lesions) in the brain and spinal cord associated with MS.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): Takes a sample of fluid from your lower back to check for signs of inflammation.
Neuropsychological tests: Check for issues related to memory, thinking or language.
Advanced eye tests: Can detect damage to the optic nerve that may occur with MS.

MS Treatment at MU Health Care

Although the latest treatments cannot cure MS, they can slow the progression of some types of multiple sclerosis. Our neurologist-led team will work with you on a personalized plan to potentially slow your disease and manage your symptoms.

Disease-Modifying Treatments

Our team has experience using the latest disease-modifying treatments for different types of MS. Depending on your condition, these drugs may help reduce the likelihood of relapses and slow the progression of MS.

These drugs include:

Oral medications, such as Mavenclad (cladribine), Gilenya (fingolimod), Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) and Aubagio (teriflunomide)
Intravenous (IV) infusion medications, such as Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) and Tysabri (natalizumab)
Injectable medications, such as Kesimpta (ofatumumab) and Avonex (interferon beta-1a)

We perform routine blood tests to monitor for potential serious side effects associated with disease modifying treatments. Our specialists are well-equipped to respond to any changes and adjust your treatment as needed.

MS Symptom Management

We offer several options to help manage MS symptoms, including:

Ampyra (dalfampridine), an FDA-approved medication you take by mouth that may help improve your walking
Neurorehabilitation, which can improve your strength and ability to function day-to-day
Medications to help with issues like muscle stiffness, incontinence, insomnia, depression and other concerns
Assistive technology to improve your communication or help maintain your independence
Neuropsychology support that may enhance your memory, learning and thinking

MS Care During Pregnancy

If you have MS and wish to become pregnant, our neurologists will provide the support you need. We’ll create a care plan with your OB/GYN or maternal fetal medicine specialist to help you achieve your goals.

Follow-Up MS Care

Because MS is a chronic disease, you’ll see your care team regularly to monitor your health and manage your symptoms. We’ll set up regular appointments, so you can receive ongoing lab tests, MRIs and physical exams.