Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Control your MS confidently — our specialists are here to help you feel better, move better and live better.
Geisinger MS specialists and neurologists
At Geisinger, your multiple sclerosis specialist will work with you to determine the most appropriate therapy to control your MS, with the goal of decreasing attacks and improving your quality of life.
We offer:
- Leading-edge medications: We offer the latest FDA-approved medications for both relapsing-remitting and progressive MS. We’re the only MS program in the region with the clinical experience to prescribe some of these new medications.
- Dedicated pharmacists for MS patients: We have 3 dedicated MS pharmacists with in-depth expertise with MS medications and their side effects. They vigilantly monitor patients to avoid the serious side effects of MS medications, to make sure aggressive treatment protocols produce effective, safe outcomes.
- Cohesive care for the whole patient: MS can affect any part of the brain and spinal cord, causing a number of conditions or issues that interfere with quality of life. We connect our patients to every specialist they may need, working closely with physical therapy, occupational therapy, urology and neuro-ophthalmology, among others.
- Focus on education: MS is a complicated condition. We believe the more educated our doctors and patients are, the better the outcomes will be. We offer a lecture series about MS, sharing the latest MS research information, treatment approaches, concepts and modern thinking.
Control your MS with a team of specialists committed to improving your quality of life
We diagnose MS by first ruling out other causes for your symptoms. Conditions that can mimic MS symptoms include infections like Lyme disease, stroke, other autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies and even stress responses.
While there is no cure for MS, once diagnosed, we treat it aggressively to slow down progression.
What you should know about MS
MS can affect any part of the brain or spinal cord. It can produce a range of symptoms that may include:
- Fatigue
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness throughout the body
- Dizziness
- Sexual problems
- Coordination problems
- Muscle spasms
- Vision problems
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Slurred speech
- Cognitive changes
- Emotional changes and depression
Did you know?
With MS, the myelin sheath (protective covering) of nerve fibers is damaged. This damage stops nerve impulses from traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord. The blocked signals are what produce the wide variety of symptoms.
You may require some or all of these tests to appropriately diagnose MS.
- Medical history and neurological exam: A detailed medical history and a thorough neurological examination are essential. This helps identify any past or present symptoms and assess neurological function.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans are used to detect lesions or areas of damage in the brain and spinal cord. These lesions are indicative of MS and help in confirming the diagnosis.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This test involves analyzing cerebrospinal fluid for specific proteins and immune cells that are often present in people with MS.
- Evoked potentials tests: These tests measure the brain’s electrical activity in response to stimuli. They can detect abnormalities in the brain's response, which may be caused by MS.
- Blood tests: Blood tests are conducted to rule out other conditions that might mimic MS symptoms, such as infections or other autoimmune diseases.
- Immune system: MS is considered an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin) in the central nervous system.
- Genetics: Certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing MS. If a close relative has MS, your risk is slightly higher.
- Environmental factors: MS is more common in regions farther from the equator, suggesting that factors like low vitamin D levels and reduced sunlight exposure might play a role.
- Infections: Some viruses and infections have been linked to MS, including Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking and obesity are also associated with an increased risk of developing MS.
- Age: MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Sex: Women are more likely than men to develop MS, particularly the relapsing-remitting type.
- Family history: Having a close relative with MS increases your risk.
- Infections: Certain viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, are associated with a higher risk of MS.
- Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D are linked to a higher risk of MS.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing MS and can worsen its progression.
- Obesity: Being overweight, especially during adolescence, is linked to an increased risk of MS.
We provide MS patients with a comprehensive care approach and individualized treatment. We make sure they’re connected to the appropriate specialists who can address their symptoms.
Treatment might include:
- Medications
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Cognitive rehab
- Symptomatic treatment for fatigue, sleep issues, bladder issues, heat intolerance and walking
- Botox for spasticity
Get the comprehensive MS care you deserve
Request a consultation today