If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) or needs MS treatment, where you go—and how quickly you receive treatment—matters. MS-expert neurologists at The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center are ready to provide leading-edge care in one convenient location.
Why choose us for MS care?
- Comprehensive care: Unlike other MS care options, we offer everything you need in one welcoming location. We provide imaging and infusion services on site, MS-certified nursing support, and MS-focused physical and occupational therapy. Your office visits, tests, treatments, and therapy can all happen right here, if you prefer, on the campus of Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
- Decades of experience and understanding: From nationally respected neurologists known for advancing MS care to experienced pharmacists and therapists who specialize in treating MS, our team combines decades of shared experience in one welcoming location. Our MS-fellowship trained neurologists have worked at leading national programs and universities. We use our knowledge to guide each step of your journey.
- Expedited availability: Timing matters when treating MS, because starting the right treatments quickly can alter the course of the disease, impacting the rest of your life.
- Leading-edge treatments: Our expert physicians have access to the latest advancements in treating MS, including clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. We are regional leaders in delivering new and effective treatments to patients.
- Nationally respected and connected: Our MS Center, one of the largest in the Midwest, has been recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care. We have also been recognized for our MS-certified nursing support in addition to physical and occupational therapy. Our team is well-connected with the local and national chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
To make an appointment with The MS Center for Innovations in Care, call 314-996-7960.
“Having everything so accessible has made getting treatment and seeing my doctor so much easier. It is nice to be able to go to one place and know that I can get my bloodwork and MRIs done there. As someone who does this so often, it makes it a little less daunting. Everyone there is so wonderful. Overall, it has been such an amazing experience.”
Ashley G., patient at The MS Center for Innovations in Care
Understanding multiple sclerosis
MS is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
The attack is directed at the coating of nerve cells called myelin. Myelin allows electrical signals to travel along nerves rapidly. When your immune cells attack myelin, these signals can be delayed or blocked. This prevents the nerve cells from "talking" to one another. The result of this inflammation against myelin can be neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, visual loss, double vision, and imbalance.
Attacks of inflammation causing symptoms lasting more than 24 hours are called relapses or exacerbations. Generally, the myelin can be repaired so recovery can occur. If the inflammation is severe enough, the actual nerves may be cut. This may result in permanent disability.
There is no simple blood test for MS. Neurological examination, MRI imaging, and a lumbar puncture to analyze spinal fluid can help a neurologist make a diagnosis.
Nearly 1 million people in the United States have received an MS diagnosis, according to a 2019 study funded by the National MS Society. Most people are between 20 and 40 when diagnosed, but children and older adults can be diagnosed.
Types of MS include:
- Relapsing remitting MS: Most people with MS have this type, which is characterized by relapses with full or partial recovery. Relapses can last days or weeks between periods of remission that can last months or even years.
- Secondary progressive MS: Without treatment, most patients will switch from relapsing remitting MS to this more progressively worsening course. Rate of progression varies greatly, but the worsening of symptoms often includes trouble walking and mobility issues.
- Primary progressive MS: Some people with MS don’t suffer from relapses, but instead experience a gradual and steady worsening of symptoms over time.
MS is an unpredictable disease, and symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of disease a person has, its progression, when a diagnosis is made, and when treatment begins.
Some common symptoms to be aware of include:
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Cognitive challenges
- Depression and anxiety
- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms and tightness
- Abnormal sensations, like numbness, burning, and tingling
- Visual loss, shaky vision, or double vision
- Weakness and balance problems
To make an appointment with The MS Center for Innovations in Care, call 314-996-7960.
Meet our expert neurologists