/ Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. MS starts when the body’s immune system misbehaves and attacks myelin, the protective nerve coating around the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of MS is still unknown. Risk factors that contribute to the onset and progression of MS include age, sex, genetics and the environment. Every person’s experience with MS will be different.

Common problems

Fatigue
Weakness
Spasticity/muscle tightness
Change in vision (optic neuritis)
Numbness or tingling
Poor balance
Dizziness
Pain Loss of bowel or bladder function

Tremors
Poor coordination
Walking difficulty
Sexual problems
Mood changes or depression
Difficulty speaking
Difficulty swallowing
Poor concentration or thought processing

MS is a variable disease, so your constellation of symptoms will be unique. You may not experience all the problems associated with MS.

Our clinic

Our goal at the Spectrum Health Multiple Sclerosis Clinic is to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge care to patients living with MS. Our team is made up of fellowship-trained and experienced neurologists, physician assistants, neuropsychologists, nurses and social workers. As a team, we will help guide patients through the often-overwhelming process of being diagnosed with MS. We will ensure our patients receive the subsequent care they need. We will clarify and confirm the correct diagnosis, educate patients on MS, provide them with the appropriate disease-modifying therapy to combat the disease, support their navigation through our complex health care system and optimize symptomatic management.

Patient benefits

West Michigan’s only MS clinic with a fellowship-trained neurologist
A “one-stop shop” with on-site infusion center, MRI and physical/occupational therapy
A single point of contact to ensure speedy, safe and proper initiation of MS disease-modifying therapy
Trained specialists who can monitor and ensure safe administration of disease-modifying therapy

A “shared decision making” philosophy in which the patient’s concerns are heard and they have input in their treatment options
Specialists with interest and experience in MS, who recognize the many symptoms of MS, as well as the possible side effects of MS disease-modifying therapy

Program features

Comprehensive MS Center status (Consortium of MS Centers)
Fellowship-trained neuroimmunologist/MS specialist
Experienced team of neurologists and physician assistants
On-site MRI, infusion center and first dose observation for select oral disease-modifying therapies

On-site physical and occupational therapists, social worker to assist with counselling and community resources, and neuropsychological team/neuropsychological (neurocognitive) testing
Nursing staff and paraclinical support to help assist with disease-modifying preauthorization and payer assistance
The Spectrum Health Referral Network with a collaborative team of urologists, pain specialists/physiatrists, ophthalmologists, sleep specialists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and psychiatrists

Meet our providers

Our team includes a fellowship-trained neuroimmunologist/MS specialist, a certified physician assistant, a licensed master social worker, a neuropsychologist and support staff. Our team balances services to support patients through their treatment