Multiple Sclerosis

If you develop an abnormal gait, numbness, tingling, weakness, or poor coordination, multiple sclerosis (MS) might be the reason. At the Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders (DCND), a certified MS center offering services to adults in Dayton, Centerville, Springfield, Eaton, Wilmington, Hillsboro, Beavercreek, and Huber Heights, Ohio, the exceptional neurology team diagnoses and offers treatments for multiple sclerosis to help you better manage crippling symptoms. To get help for multiple sclerosis, the first step is getting a referral from your primary care provider. Then the DCND team will call you to arrange an appointment

Multiple Sclerosis Q & A

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, commonly called MS, is a potentially disabling disease of the spinal cord and brain, or your central nervous system. It occurs when your immune system attacks the protective sheath covering nerve fibers and causes communication issues between your brain and body. Over time, if left untreated, MS may cause permanent damage to nerve fibers.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

The symptoms of MS often include:

Numbness
Weakness
Tingling
Electric shock-like sensations during movement
Lack of coordination
Unsteady gait
Blurry vision
Loss of vision
Pain during eye movement
Prolonged double vision
Loss of ability to walk independently
Vertigo
Fatigue
Cognitive issues
Slurred speech
Reduced bowel, bladder, or sexual functioning
Mood disturbances

MS symptoms vary from person to person and may come and go. While there’s no cure, treatment can help you effectively manage symptoms and modify the course of the disease.

Who is at risk of multiple sclerosis?

While anyone may develop multiple sclerosis, some people have an increased risk. Nearly one million people in the United States live with MS. Its risk factors include:

Being a woman
Family history of MS
Being 20-40 years old
Infections
Living in a temperate climate
Low intake of vitamin D
Obesity
Smoking
Autoimmune diseases

While adopting healthy habits may reduce your chance of having MS, you can’t necessarily avoid it if you’re prone to developing the condition.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

The Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders team diagnoses multiple sclerosis after completing physical and neurological exams, asking about your symptoms and medical history, and completing nerve studies.

You might need an MRI, lumbar puncture (spinal tap), evoked potentials (nerve tests), or blood tests. Early detection is vital to minimize disease progression.

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders experts use a comprehensive approach to treat MS. The practice has been recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a comprehensive care center, with a proven commitment to exceptional, coordinated care.

The goal is to properly manage the disease and optimize function, comfort, and independence. The team educates you regarding healthy lifestyle modifications and connects you to physical therapists, occupational therapists, vocational therapists, nutrition counselors, and mental health specialists when needed.

The Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders team utilizes rehabilitation programs that address spasticity issues and restore or maintain body functioning. The practice produces a monthly MS podcast and offers intravenous (IV) infusions onsite.

Treatments have come a long way in the last 20 years and there are several medications that can dramatically reduce the number of flare-ups and slow MS progression. Routine checkups are important, allowing you and your specialist to discuss worsening symptoms or new testing opportunities.

There may also be opportunities to participate in clinical trials for new multiple sclerosis treatments.

To get help at Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders, the first step is to obtain a referral from your primary care physician. Then, the office will reach out to you to arrange an appointment.