Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis care at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

We are a comprehensive program delivering the full range of services for all types of multiple sclerosis. Our expertise and compassion are why more patients put their trust in our team: We received more than 2,300 visits in 2019 alone.

Highlights of our program include:

• Accurate diagnosis: MS symptoms mimic those of other neurologic disorders, making it difficult to diagnose. At Henry Ford, you are in expert hands. Even if you’ve already undergone testing or received an MS diagnosis, we start from the beginning with a thorough evaluation. These extra steps ensure you receive appropriate care.
• Broad range of treatments: Over time, your care needs may change. We are always here for you with additional options and support. We offer the latest medications, clinical trials and a team approach to care.
• Convenient care: Treatment for MS requires services from multiple specialists. At Henry Ford, many of them are available in one location. Eligible patients can see a neurologist, physical therapist and occupational therapist in one visit on a monthly basis. Read more about the Center for Comprehensive MS Care.

MS complications

Over time, multiple sclerosis attacks can lead to:

• Bladder and bowel problems: MS may damage the nerves controlling your bladder or bowels.
• Vision difficulties: Swelling in the optical nerve can blur vision and cause temporary blindness. In some people, vision problems occur years after diagnosis.
• Depression: The stress of living with MS, medication side effects or damage to nerves controlling mood raise your depression risk.
• Memory problems: In some people, MS affects areas of the brain responsible for memory. You may not be able to recall information as quickly.

Multiple sclerosis evaluation

MS evaluation at Henry Ford starts with you describing your symptoms and when they started. We also perform a neurologic exam to assess muscle strength, coordination, sensation and reflexes. We then determine other types of testing you may need, which may include:

• Blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as other inflammatory disorders and infections
• Evoked potential studies in our electromyography (EMG) lab to measure how nerves respond to gentle electrical pulses
• Imaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging, help us pinpoint and assess nerve damage
• Spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, which analyzes a sample of spinal fluid for proteins typically present in people with MS
• Optical coherence tomography to capture detailed images of nerves behind your eye and check for damage that can affect your vision

MS treatment

The treatment that’s right for you depends on the type of MS and how it affects your daily life. Your care may include:

Medications for multiple sclerosis

Disease-modifying therapies slow MS progression and the frequency of relapses. A high dose of steroids or similar medications reduces myelin sheath swelling and may end relapses faster.

Other MS treatments

You may also benefit from:

• Lifestyle recommendations: A healthy lifestyle can help you feel your best while in remission and may improve recovery from relapses. Recommendations often include getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active.
• Physical and occupational therapy: We guide you through exercises to maintain existing muscle strength and coordination. As multiple sclerosis progresses, therapists introduce methods for safely performing daily tasks, including devices to lower your fall risk.
• Referrals to specialists: If you are experiencing MS complications, we refer you to the appropriate Henry Ford specialist, including:
  • Neuro-ophthalmologists who treat vision problems
  • Urologists for bladder issues
  • Gastroenterologists for bowel problems
  • Pain medicine experts to help you feel more comfortable