Orlando Health Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated disease that can affect every aspect of your life. That’s why we bring together experts from a wide variety of specialties — including neurologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists and more – to create and deliver a holistic care plan focused on your unique needs.

Whether that means comprehensive disease management, symptom management or rehabilitation services, we’ll be at your side every step of the way to help you live a full, active life.

Better Understand Multiple Sclerosis

Your immune system — a network of cells, tissues and organs designed to produce antibodies that fight infection or illness — is your body’s natural defense mechanism.

When you have MS, instead of fighting off infection, your immune system mistakenly attacks your own central nervous system instead. These “attacks” can damage your brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, slowing down or blocking communication between your brain and body.

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of MS, but believe the environment and genetics may play a crucial role.

Recognize the Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

It can be hard to recognize the signs of MS, especially in the disease’s early stages when symptoms seem minor and often come and go. These symptoms include:

• Bladder and bowel problems
• Cognitive changes
• Fatigue
• Numbness or tingling
• Tremor
• Vertigo
• Vision problems
• Weakness

Learn About Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis

Since all of the symptoms associated with MS can also be related to other health conditions, diagnosing the condition can be difficult. In fact your physician will likely start by ruling out other illnesses. This “ruling out” process may involve tests to evaluate your movement, balance and coordination, language function and vision.

If it’s suspected you may have MS, additional tests may be recommended.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI technology, which allows your doctor to capture images of your brain and spinal cord, is the preferred imaging method for definitively diagnosing MS. In fact, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MRI has made it possible to understand much more about the underlying pathology of the disease.

If you have MS, lesions will show up on an MRI to confirm your condition.  Once diagnosed, ongoing MRI studies may also be used to monitor the progression of the disease.

Lumbar Puncture

Since taking a sample of your CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) can test for the presence of certain antibodies and proteins, your doctor may recommend a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to help confirm an MS diagnosis. During this test, a hollow needle is inserted into your lower spine to extract fluid for lab testing.

Evoked Potentials (EP) Test

An EP test can help your doctor measure your brain’s response to stimulation of certain neuropathways, and is particularly useful in cases where the change in your brain’s response is too subtle to be observed during a neurological exam.

Get Effective Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

While there’s currently no cure for MS, we gain better understanding of the disease every day. And with a continued focus on research, we feel encouraged that a future without MS is within reach.

Today’s treatment paradigm focus is on slowing the disease’s progression and minimizing the damage it can cause to your central nervous system.

These services include:

• Diagnosis
• Education and support
• Evaluation and treatment of symptoms
• Long-term disease management
• Rehabilitation

Choose Expert Care

Living with MS can be challenging. But the key to living well is getting the right support and treatment from experts who understand and can comprehensively address the variety of symptoms. 

When you choose the Orlando Health Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, you choose a National MS Society Partner in Care. That means we’ve earned the prestigious designation as a Comprehensive Care Center, awarded only to facilities that demonstrate the highest level of MS care.

You Can Trust Our Expertise and Experience

Our clinicians are certified, which means they’ve passed a national certification exam and have at least two years’ experience treating MS.

You Can Rest Easier Knowing You’ll Have Comprehensive Services

We have all the experts you need to help best manage your MS. From neuropsychologists to help address your cognitive concerns to physical therapists to offer suggestions for handling your daily tasks and activities, we’ll be at your side every step of the way.

You Count on Us for Coordinated Care

Depending on your symptoms, you may need a multi-pronged approach involving experts from several specialties. It’s important that your care be coordinated throughout the health team for the whole of your MS journey.

You’ll Have Access to Leading Clinical Research

To bring you innovative treatment options and access the latest medical breakthroughs, our specialists stay abreast of and participate in constantly-evolving MS research.