Multiple Sclerosis

Neurology Diagnostics, Inc.

Adult Neurology & Electrodiagnostic Medicine located in South Dayton, Dayton, OH

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects any part of the central nervous system - that is your brain and spinal cord. As such, it can cause a variety of symptoms including numbness, weakness, visual loss. These symptoms may be brief, or can stay longterm and contribute to disability. If you have symptoms of MS or you know you have MS and your current therapies aren't easing your symptoms, Joel Vandersluis, MD, of Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. can help.

At their offices in North and South Dayton, Ohio, Dr. Vandersluis and his team offer comprehensive treatment for multiple sclerosis, including the most effective and up-to-date medications. Call Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. today to find out more about managing MS, or book an appointment using the online form.

937-224-8200

Multiple Sclerosis Q & A

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It interferes with communication between your brain and body. Multiple sclerosis sometimes causes only mild symptoms, but it can also be severely disabling.

The most likely cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune system dysfunction. Autoimmune disorders result from your immune system mistakenly treating your body's tissues as though they were invading organisms. In MS, your immune system attacks a substance called myelin, which insulates your nerves.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

The first symptoms of MS are often visual, including blurred or double vision. These symptoms usually begin between the ages of 20 and 40.

Other symptoms could include:

Muscle weakness
Difficulty with coordination
Problems with balance
Impaired walking
Difficulty standing
Numbness, prickling, or "pins and needles" sensations
Pain
Speech impediments
Tremors
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Difficulties concentrating
Memory problems
Depression

The worst cases of MS can result in partial or even complete paralysis.

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

If you're struggling with your MS, the Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. team can help. There are medications that can help to slow down the speed of your MS progression, reduce the severity and frequency of your MS attacks, and help you manage a relapse.

Siponimod tablets can help adults with relapsing forms of MS. Beta interferon medications can reduce relapses and slow disease progression. Ocrelizumab, alemtuzumab, and natalizumab are examples of another type of medication for MS that contains monoclonal antibodies. These alter your immune system’s response to inflammation.

Other medications that could help you manage your MS include immunomodulators like:

Glatiramer acetate
Fingolimod
Teriflunomide
Dimethyl fumarate

Novantrone®, a chemotherapy drug used to fight cancer, can help treat advanced or chronic MS.

The calcium channel blocker dalfampridine can improve your ability to walk when you have MS, while muscle relaxants and tranquilizers can reduce symptoms like muscle spasms. Steroids can reduce inflammation during an acute attack of MS.

Physical therapy is vital in treating MS by helping you to keep moving as much as possible. It's essential to avoid excessive heat and too much physical exercise, though, to prevent fatigue, which can be a significant issue for people who have MS. You might also benefit from using walking aids like foot braces, walkers, or canes.

To find out more about effective treatments for multiple sclerosis, call Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. today or book an appointment online.