Clinical Diagnostic Expertise

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic progressive disease of the Central Nervous System with variable manifestations, severity and prognosis. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging.  As several conditions can mimic MS, correct diagnosis is critical to a successful therapeutic approach.

Some of the conditions that can mimic MS include:

* Neuromyelitis optica

* CNS Lupus

* CNS Sarcoidosis

* Lyme's disease

* Vitamin B12 deficiency

* CNS Vasculitis

* CNS viral infections

* Childhood and adult leukodystrophies

A large number of consultations are provided for certain subgroups, such as patients with aggressive MS, MS patients who consider pregnancy and healthy individuals with abnormal MRI scans.

We provide extensive consultation and possible involvement in clinical trials, if desired, for patients with aggressive or rapidly progressive MS.

Special circumstances, such as pregnancy and delivery, may add a significant burden on woman's health. We monitor, support and advise patients before, during and after pregnancy.

Patients with abnormal MRI scans but otherwise healthy are further examined and closely monitored.

Diagnostic Services

• MRI Scans:

Six MRI scanners with state of the art software and image capabilities are available at the DMC/WSU MS Center.  For patients who enrolled in research studies, novel, multimodal, high- resolution imaging is available. These special sequences can provide highly sensitive information regarding tissue injury in the brain. Sedation can be provided for patients who are claustrophobic.

• Laboratory testing for MS:

Special blood tests help distinguishing MS from other diseases that may mimic MS. This could include diseases such as Lupus, Sarcoidosis, Lyme disease, or other conditions.

• Lumbar Puncture (also known as spinal tap):

This procedure can be done as an outpatient in the Neurology Clinic by the neurologist or under X-ray guidance by the radiologist.

• Evoked potential tests include:

Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)

          Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP)

          Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

OCT is a new tool that we use to examine optic nerve and integrity of retinal structures.

Treatment Services

This is an extraordinary time for MS. There is an explosion of new knowledge and new treatment options.

• Relapse management options:

IV steroids

Oral steroids

Acthar® gel

Plasmapheresis or Plasma exchange (PLEX) for severe relapses

• Immunomodulatory (maintenance) therapy options:

Injectable medications

Oral medications

Infused medications

• Special symptomatic treatments:

4-Aminopyridine (4-AP)

Intrathecal baclofen for severe spasticity

• Experimental Clinical Trials (see Clinical Trials section)
• Consultation Services include:

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Neuropsychology

Urology

Neuro ophthalmology