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Multiple Sclerosis Program

MyChart Appointments

Our Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects people of all ages with mild to severe symptoms. Our program assists in diagnosis, research, and symptomatic treatment for MS patients.

Advanced tools are used to diagnose the disease, measure its progress, and provide you with the latest treatment options to improve the course of the disease.

In addition, our specialty staff works with you and your family to help manage the disease so you can have an improved quality of life.

How is multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosed?

It isn't always easy to diagnose MS. The first symptoms may be vague. And many of the symptoms can be caused by problems other than MS.

Your doctor will use several pieces of information to diagnose MS. Your doctor will:

  • Ask questions about your symptoms—past and present—and your past health.
  • Do a neurological exam. This exam checks your strength and how well your nerves are working.
  • Do tests.
    • You'll probably have an MRI to look for lesions in your brain. If lesions are seen, it may mean that you have MS. But having lesions doesn't always mean that you have MS. There could be other causes.
    • You may have a spinal tap (lumbar puncture).
    • You may have special nerve tests, such as an evoked potentials test.
    • Blood tests may be done to see if something else is causing your symptoms.

It may take time before your doctor can confirm that you have MS. Your doctor may need to see how your symptoms, physical exam, and MRI results change over time.