Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Related Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis Care at UVM Health

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting communication in the central nervous system (the brain, brain stem and spinal cord). The central nervous system controls many of the body's functions.

With MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering on nerve fibers. Myelin scars disrupt the brain's information flow and cause problems with muscle control, strength, balance, feeling, thinking and vision.

At University of Vermont Health, we understand what an MS diagnosis can mean for you and your family. Our multidisciplinary team is at your side with the latest therapies, comprehensive education and compassionate support to enhance your quality of life.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As one of the region's leading providers of multiple sclerosis care, we offer:

Expertise in MS diagnosis: Diagnosing MS early is important to delay disability progression. Our doctors have advanced training and experience in MS diagnosis, using the latest diagnostic tests and technology.
Recognized quality: The University of Vermont Multiple Sclerosis Center is a member of The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and a National MS Society Partner in MS Care and Center for Comprehensive Care. Membership signifies our comprehensive MS care approach.
Team approach to care: Our team of providers tailors comprehensive care to your unique needs and goals. Our specialists include neurologists, urologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, nurses, an MS specialty pharmacist, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers and mental health providers.
Academic focus: Our physician-leaders are active researchers, many of whom are training the next generation of experts. You benefit from clinicians who have access to the latest advancements in multiple sclerosis care.

MS Symptoms

Every person with multiple sclerosis has a different experience with the disease. MS symptoms vary depending on the location of damage. Symptoms can both come and go (relapsing-remitting MS) and get worse over time (progressive MS).

Symptoms may be different for each patient, but often include:

Movement difficulties, including weakness, stiffness and a lack of coordination
Vision problems, including eye pain, double or blurry vision, and partial or complete blindness
Sensory issues such as numbness, tingling or electric-shock feelings that happen with certain head movements
Bladder and bowel problems
Chronic pain
Cognitive difficulties, affecting your thinking and memory
Dizziness
Emotional conditions like depression, anxiety and mood swings
Spasticity, which causes muscle stiffness and movements you can't control
Sexual dysfunction
Fatigue and tiredness, particularly if other symptoms make sleeping difficult

MS-Related Conditions

Some conditions have symptoms similar to those of MS. We can test for and treat all autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system, including:

Autoimmune Encephalitis

Autoimmune encephalitis is when the immune system attacks the brain and causes it to swell. The disease typically affects women more often than men and can worsen over time or cycle through relapse and recovery periods.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease (MOGAD)

People with MOGAD have antibodies that attack a specific protein in the myelin. Inflammation in the brain, spinal cord, optic nerves or a combination of these areas create symptoms that doctors group into specific syndromes, including:

Optic neuritis, which causes problems with vision and eye movement
Myelitis, characterized by weak and numb limbs and bladder issues
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), causing confusion and sleepiness
Cerebral encephalitis, leading to seizures

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica or Devic disease) is a rare, relapsing, inflammatory condition that often affects the optic nerve and spinal cord. It can lead to sudden paralysis, vision loss or both. Patients typically have relapses that last several days, followed by recovery periods that may last weeks, months or years.

Diagnosing MS and Related Disorders

Because symptoms of MS and related disorders are similar to those of other conditions, an accurate diagnosis can be difficult. Fortunately, our highly skilled neurologists have advanced expertise in understanding symptoms and interpreting tests results to reveal the right diagnosis.

Your neurologist will complete a thorough physical examination and ask about your medical history and your family's medical history.

Your doctor will also conduct a neurological exam to assess how well your brain communicates with your body. A neurological exam checks your muscle function, reflexes, speech and senses.

Your doctor may request that you undergo several tests to confirm your diagnosis. We offer the latest advanced diagnostic procedures, including:

Blood or Urine Test

Certain substances in your blood or urine can help rule out other conditions.

Evoked Potential Tests

Electrodes placed on your scalp measure how your nervous system responds to stimuli such as visual patterns, sounds or mild electric pulses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnets and a specialized computer work together to provide clear, detailed images of your brain and spinal cord. We may give you an intravenous (IV) injection of a contrasting dye to highlight any scars (lesions).

Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)

Your doctor inserts a needle or drain in your spinal canal to remove some cerebrospinal fluid for testing.

Support Groups

Support groups connect people facing similar challenges. We can help you connect with support groups focused on cancer, dementia, bereavement, diabetes, mental health and more.

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MS and Related Disorders Treatment

As of now, there's no cure for MS and related disorders. However, treatments can help you recover faster from attacks, reduce relapses, manage your symptoms and delay disease progression. Our experts will work with you to create your individualized treatment plan using the latest available therapies, including:

Medications

Certain medications given by mouth, injection or IV infusion can provide relief of symptoms or prevent disease progression.

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation helps improve your strength, mobility and ability to perform daily activities. Types of rehabilitation therapy include:

Emotional Support

MS can cause anxiety, depression and mood changes. Our mental health counselors work with you to address your emotional challenges.

Supportive Care

Our care team helps you identify equipment that could make it easier to perform activities like bathing, eating, dressing, toileting and walking. Supportive devices include foot or ankle braces, shower handles, raised toilet seats, canes and walkers.

Awards & Certifications

The University of Vermont Multiple Sclerosis Center is a member of The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and a National MS Society Partner in MS Care and Center for Comprehensive Care.