Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that disrupts communication between the brain and body and can lead to disabling symptoms. Riverhills Neuroscience, with three Cincinnati, Ohio, area offices in Norwood, Westside, and Anderson, an office in Centerville, Ohio, as well as another office in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, is a multidisciplinary practice that provides comprehensive multiple sclerosis care, including medical, psychosocial, and rehabilitation. Call the office or complete the online contact form to learn more about multiple sclerosis care at Riverhills Neuroscience.

What should I know about multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. 

Researchers are still investigating what causes MS, but they know that the condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves in the central nervous system. 

The immune system attack damages the protective layer that insulates nerve fibers, the myelin sheath, disrupting communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

I have double vision. Should I be concerned about multiple sclerosis?

MS affects everyone differently. Damage to the optic nerve may cause eye pain, swelling, and vision changes like double or blurry vision. These eye-related symptoms are some of the primary symptoms of MS. 

Other symptoms of MS include:

• Loss of color vision
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty walking 
• Problems with balance
• Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations
• Problems with thinking
• Memory loss

MS symptoms vary in type and severity and may only last a short time, but can come and go. The type of symptoms you have depend on the part of the nervous system affected.

What tests diagnose multiple sclerosis?

Riverhills Neuroscience is a state-of-the-art neurology practice that provides comprehensive MS care. There’s no single test for diagnosing MS, and an evaluation may include multiple tests to rule out other conditions. 

Your neurologist at Riverhills Neuroscience conducts a thorough physical and neurological exam when you come in with concerning symptoms that sound like MS. They review your symptoms and medical history and run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

Imaging is often recommended to look for central nervous system damage. Riverhills Neuroscience provides on-site MRI scanning at their Norwood location for your convenience. 

What are the treatments for multiple sclerosis?

Riverhills Neuroscience is recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the Partners in MS Care Program of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This means they manage all aspects of MS care, including medical, psychosocial, and rehabilitation.

Your neurologist customizes your treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and the progression of your disease. Treatment may include medication to manage symptoms, behavioral medicine to improve mental and emotional well-being, and physical or occupational therapy to benefit your quality of life.

Riverhills Neuroscience also offers on-site infusion therapy for MS, providing intravenous (IV) medication that reduces symptom flare-ups and slows down the progression of the disease.

For comprehensive multiple sclerosis care, call Riverhills Neuroscience today or complete the online contact form for more information.