Multiple Sclerosis Services

If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), it's natural to have questions and concerns. This autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack myelin, a protective fatty substance covering nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, this damage can lead to symptoms like muscle weakness, vision loss, tremors, slurred speech, and shock-like sensations.

Our MS neurologists at MUSC Health provide expert diagnosis and care, helping you maintain independence through a range of therapies.

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system by attacking the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.

What are symptoms of MS?

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis typically include:

• Muscle weakness
• Vision loss
• Tremors
• Slurred speech
• Shock-like sensations

Multiple Sclerosis Services at MUSC Health

When you come to MUSC Health for multiple sclerosis care and treatment, you benefit from:

• Advanced Diagnostic Services: Our doctors use cutting-edge technology to accurately diagnose MS and differentiate it from similar conditions.
• Care for Complex Cases: We specialize in treating patients with MS as well as other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or myasthenia gravis, providing personalized treatment plans.
• Teamwork: You receive care from a dedicated team including neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, social workers, and dietitians.
• Customized Treatments: We tailor treatment plans to fit your physical, emotional, and cognitive needs, ensuring long-term adherence and success.
• Innovative Therapies: Our physicians participate in research and clinical trials to discover better diagnostic methods and treatments for MS.
• Convenience and Concierge Services: Access care at multiple locations, including our main campus in Charleston and our Mount Pleasant clinic, with additional support for travel and lodging arrangements.

Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis at MUSC Health

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning. At MUSC Health, our neurologists use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including:

• Optical coherence testing (OCT): This painless imaging tool checks for retinal nerve inflammation.
• Evoked potentials (EP): Tests for impaired nerve transmission in our advanced neurophysiology lab.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Identifies lesions on the central nervous system that suggest MS.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: Evaluates fluid for elevated antibodies and proteins to rule out infections and conditions mimicking MS.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatments at MUSC Health

While MS is incurable, our comprehensive MS Clinic offers medications and therapies to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and promote independence. Treatments include:

• Medications: Disease-modifying drugs and steroids to reduce MS attacks and inflammation.
• Rehabilitation Services: Occupational therapy to maintain function and independence.
• Emotional Support: Neuropsychologists and mental health professionals to help manage depression and anxiety.

At MUSC Health, our neurologists are equipped with the expertise and compassion necessary to provide exceptional care for those affected by multiple sclerosis. Whether you seek diagnosis or are navigating your treatment, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at MUSC Health or to schedule an appointment, please call 843-792-3223.

Refer a Patient

For referrals, please contact Tee Houser at houser@musc.edu, phone: 843-876-9917, or via fax: 843-792-8626.