MS - Multiple Sclerosis

Southwest Florida MS - Multiple Sclerosis Specialists

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective sheath (coating/myelin) that insulates your nerves and helps mediate the transmission of nerve impulses. As a result, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerates, which slows down the communication between your brain and rest of the body.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms for MS, including: Dizziness, Blurred/Double Vision, Electric-shock sensations, fatigue, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, muscle stiffness, numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, difficulty controlling urination, decreased attention span, poor judgment, memory loss, and slurred or difficult-to-understand speech.

Testing & Treatments

Neurologists will determine if you have MS by running a series of tests:

  • Spinal Tap (Lumbar puncture) – Dr. or nurse inserts a needle into the lower back to remove a small amount of spinal fluid. Fluid is tested for abnormalities such as abnormal levels of white blood cells or proteins.
  • Evoked potential Test: measures electrical signals sent by your brain in response to stimuli.
  • Blood tests help rule out infections or inflammatory diseases that have symptoms similar to MS.
  • MRI can reveal lesions which may appear due to myelin loss in your brain & spinal cord.
  • Visual testing

There is no cure for MS, but there are treatments to slow the process:

  • Corticosteroids-may help decrease the inflammation
  • Plasma Exchange
  • Physical Therapy
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Medications to reduce fatigue
  • Medications to combat depression, pain, and bladder and/or bowel control problems

Neuroscience And Spine Associates

Specializing in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for Southwest Florida.