Multiple Sclerosis
A complex disease requires a comprehensive approach. DCND has been recognized by the National MS Society as a comprehensive care center. This means DCND has a proven commitment to provide exceptional and coordinated MS care.
Multiple Sclerosis impacts the central nervous system disrupting the communication and flow between the brain and the body. The cause is unknown but several studies are underway to better understand what happens. The disease can leave some patients with severe symptoms including vision loss, fatigue, impaired coordination and pain while others can live mostly symptom free their entire life.
At DCND, our comprehensive care center addresses your overall health utilizing the expertise of multiple healthcare professionals. Our goal is to not only manage your disease but to also help you with function, independence and comfort.
- Diagnosing & treatment
- Symptom management
- Rehabilitation
- Comprehensive care plan
- Patient education & resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Questions?
DCND providers have been reviewing data and are following the recommended guidelines of the National MS Society regarding Disease Modifying Therapies.
We urge you to look at these recommendations at your earliest convenience.
If you have further questions on how these recommendations apply to your individual care plan please contact our office to schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss at 937-439-6186.
Comprehensive Care Center
Evaluation and Treatment Plans
There is currently not just one test that can determine if you have MS. Our providers look at a variety of criteria to make a final diagnosis. They will often use tests such as physical exams, MRI, lumbar punctures, Evoked Potentials and blood tests.
Detecting and treating MS early is essential. There have been many advancements in medication that helps keep the disease stable. Your care team can also address therapies that help manage various symptoms such as bladder issues, fatigue, spasticity and sexual dysfunction.
Routine Checkups
Routine checkups are an important part of your MS care. These visits allow you and your provider to discuss new or worsening symptoms, any new testing that needs to be done and to review current medications.
Treatments
More than a dozen therapies are now available for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. These therapies have been shown to dramatically reduce the number of flare ups and new lesions in patients with this condition as well as significantly slowing the progression of disability. Some of these therapies are IV and can be administered on-site at DCND in the infusion center.
Managing relapses
An exacerbation or relapse occurs when a patient gets new symptoms or if old symptoms get worse. They can be mild to severe and vary significantly from person to person. Some examples include numbness and fatigue to the more severe loss of vision or balance issues.
The flare-up must last at least 24 hours and be at least 30 days removed from a previous attack. Not all relapses require treatment. Your neurologist will determine what course of action is best.
Symptom clinic
Managing symptoms of MS is an important part of our treatment plan at DCND. We help educate patients on different lifestyle modifications and connect them to proper therapists who can help with things like physical therapy, occupational therapy, vocational therapy, mental health and nutrition. We also utilize rehabilitation programs to address spasticity and restore and maintain functions. DCND produces a monthly podcast on MS.
Latest episodes:
Who gets MS?
Nearly one million people are living with MS in the US. It is not contagious or directly inherited but it is more common in women and in some families. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. Some studies have also shown that more people get MS the further they live from the equator.
MS Podcast
We know there’s a lot of information surrounding MS and treatment. We produce a monthly podcast that covers a wide variety of topics to help keep our patients educated and prepared.
“I went from limping to a cane and crutches in 18 months. I never knew what was going to happen day to day. Once I got to DCND, things changed immediately. I’m so much better today and I owe it to the doctor and staff here.”
–Stephen, MS Patient
What You Need to Know About Your Appointment
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to care for you or your family. We are the regions top provider in patient services caring for spinal, brain and neurological disorders. DCND is accepting new patients on a referral basis only. Please contact your primary care physician or another specialist to request a referral to our office. They can do that through their Electronic Health Record System or they can fax us at 937-439-5462. Our physicians see patients by appointment only at several locations.
A list of your medicines
Please bring a current list of all medications you are taking. Please include dosage and frequency. We also request you bring a copy of any recent imaging or have it sent to our office before your appointment.
State ID
A state ID or current drivers license is required to be on file for new patients.
Current Insurance Card
It’s important we have an updated copy of your insurance information. Please bring the insurance refrerral if required by your plan. For more information about what we accpet, please click here.
Form of Payment
Please note your specialty copay is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check or credit card. You can also make a payment through your patient portal here.
Advanced Directives
Please bring a copy of your advanced directives or any power of attorney docuements.
Your place for exceptional MS care
Our practice is independent. our focus is you.