Medical Minute: Multiple Sclerosis

March was National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a month dedicated to MS education, advocacy and action. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that negatively affects the brain and spinal cord, when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, slowing down communication within the body.  

Multiple sclerosis can affect people in different ways depending on their symptoms and medical history. Symptoms can include fatigue, trouble walking, memory issues, bladder problems and pain. Jacqueline Nicholas, MD, System Chief of MS at OhioHealth, said that looking at a patient’s symptom history has been very important when looking at treatment options in the past, but recently providers are discussing getting rid of these types of diagnoses to look at the symptoms as one disease. As this research continues to evolve, so do the treatment options.  

“We had no treatments before the 1990’s and now we have over 20 treatments for multiple sclerosis, and counting. There are many ongoing clinical trials. We’re even looking at therapies used in the cancer world that may be able to shut down MS long term.”  

Even though more people are getting diagnosed with MS, Dr. Nichalos said receiving an early diagnosis can help people face fewer physical problems and give them more freedom throughout their lives. This patient centered approach to care at OhioHealth has allowed patients more flexibility and comfort.  

“The focus is on the patient. It is really about centering the care around them, and because we’ve been so dedicated to that, we have a whole team of people here to help that individual. It’s been really wonderful that here they can get most of what they need within one place and not having to make about ten different appointments to get all of those resources.”