Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. MS starts when the body’s immune system misbehaves and attacks myelin, the protective nerve coating around the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of MS is still unknown. Risk factors that contribute to the onset and progression of MS include age, sex, genetics and the environment. Every person’s experience with MS will be different.
Common problems
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Spasticity/muscle tightness
- Change in vision (optic neuritis)
- Numbness or tingling
- Poor balance
- Dizziness
- Pain Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Tremors
- Poor coordination
- Walking difficulty
- Sexual problems
- Mood changes or depression
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Poor concentration or thought processing
MS is a variable disease, so your constellation of symptoms will be unique. You may not experience all the problems associated with MS.
Our clinic
Our goal at the Spectrum Health Multiple Sclerosis Clinic is to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge care to patients living with MS. Our team is made up of fellowship-trained and experienced neurologists, physician assistants, neuropsychologists, nurses and social workers. As a team, we will help guide patients through the often-overwhelming process of being diagnosed with MS. We will ensure our patients receive the subsequent care they need. We will clarify and confirm the correct diagnosis, educate patients on MS, provide them with the appropriate disease-modifying therapy to combat the disease, support their navigation through our complex health care system and optimize symptomatic management.
Patient benefits
- West Michigan’s only MS clinic with a fellowship-trained neurologist
- A “one-stop shop” with on-site infusion center, MRI and physical/occupational therapy
- A single point of contact to ensure speedy, safe and proper initiation of MS disease-modifying therapy
- Trained specialists who can monitor and ensure safe administration of disease-modifying therapy
- A “shared decision making” philosophy in which the patient’s concerns are heard and they have input in their treatment options
- Specialists with interest and experience in MS, who recognize the many symptoms of MS, as well as the possible side effects of MS disease-modifying therapy
Program features
- Comprehensive MS Center status (Consortium of MS Centers)
- Fellowship-trained neuroimmunologist/MS specialist
- Experienced team of neurologists and physician assistants
- On-site MRI, infusion center and first dose observation for select oral disease-modifying therapies
- On-site physical and occupational therapists, social worker to assist with counselling and community resources, and neuropsychological team/neuropsychological (neurocognitive) testing
- Nursing staff and paraclinical support to help assist with disease-modifying preauthorization and payer assistance
- The Spectrum Health Referral Network with a collaborative team of urologists, pain specialists/physiatrists, ophthalmologists, sleep specialists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and psychiatrists
Contact the Multiple Sclerosis Program
For more information or to make an appointment