Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology
One of the most common neurological conditions in the United States, multiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than 2 million people in the world and more than 5,000 individuals in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and southeast Indiana, according to the National MS Society. MS is also a complicated condition to diagnose and manage.
An autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, MS impacts the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. Specifically, the immune system attacks the protective coating that surrounds nerves responsible for carrying key messages from the nervous system to the rest of the body. When these nerves and nerve fibers are attacked, a variety of unpredictable complications may occur, including cognitive problems, double vision, tingling, weakness and inability to control bladder and bowel function.
With so many variables at play, having a team of specialists on hand to address the unique challenges of MS is critical. And the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology program at UK HealthCare, part of the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute, is equipped with the experts necessary to manage the complete spectrum of MS-related complications. They also offer options to manage related neuroimmunological disorders.
Multiple sclerosis & neuroimmunology specialties
Specialists at UK HealthCare are experts at diagnosing and treating MS and provide comprehensive and robust resources to educate patients and families about the condition. Specifically, neurologists work together with other specialists to ensure that care is tailored to meet the needs of each patient. They may collaborate with experts in fields such as cognitive neurology and ophthalmology, as well as occupational and physical therapists who have special training in MS and are dedicated to improving mobility and quality of life.
Clinicians with the program are also trained to manage a variety of other neuroimmunologic disorders, including:
- All MS subtypes, including progressive, relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
- Pediatric MS and related disorders
- Sarcoidosis
- Transverse myelitis
- Other autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system
Our facility is equipped with sophisticated radiological and physiological testing technology to diagnose and monitor disease progression. We also offer an on-site infusion center and skilled pharmacists to deliver the most effective infusion therapies to our patients.
Why choose UK HealthCare for multiple sclerosis & neuroimmunology treatment?
UK HealthCare is ranked No. 1 on the Best Regional Hospitals list for Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region by U.S. News & World Report. Designated as a Center for Comprehensive Care by the National MS Society, we offer the best multidisciplinary care to treat the cognitive, visual, physical and social side effects of multiple sclerosis.
With a shared commitment to improving the lives of our patients and slowing the progression of disease, our resources include:
- The region’s only two physicians fellowship-trained in MS
- The region’s only physician treating pediatric MS
- The region’s only neuro-ophthalmologist
- Pharmacists trained to manage and educate patients on medication and infusion
- Physical and occupational therapists with focused training in MS
- Neuropsychologists trained to evaluate and manage cognitive and behavioral symptoms of MS
The faculty of UK HealthCare’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology program has access to the latest clinical trials and basic science research projects to manage and treat MS and related neuroimmunological disorders. Thanks to ongoing research and advancements, our physicians can diagnose and treat these conditions as early as possible.
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