Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

Welcome to the Winchester Neurological MS Clinic. We strive to empower you in your journey with MS.

Our philosophy is to offer you proven, cutting edge evaluation and treatment, in a timely and caring environment.  We strive to provide appropriate, goal-directed education regarding the best options for you.  We encourage your engagement in the decision making and treatment process.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder which affects the myelin, which is a substance that wraps around the nerve fibers, which are called axons.  Thus, myelinated axons make up the white matter in our brain.  MS also damages the grey matter in the brain, which is composed of nerve cell bodies.

Plaques or lesions develop from an inflammatory response which causes our immune cells to attack itself.  Primarily, the myelin sheath is attacked, which causes a disruption in the nerve impulse.

MS symptoms may cause any combination of neurological symptoms, often including: blurred or double vision, weak/stiff muscles with spasms, “numbness” of arms, legs, trunk of body, or face, clumsiness, bladder control problems, dizziness, mental or physical fatigue, mood changes, changes in the ability to concentrate, or difficulty making decisions.

Diagnosis is made through a thorough neurological exam, MRI, and possible lab studies.

There are many treatment options available.  There are oral, injectable, and IV medications.  The treatment plan differs from patient to patient, and is made on an individual basis.

Some patients will experience a relapse or exacerbation, due to a sudden worsening of MS symptoms which last for at least 24 hours.  It is thought exacerbations are new areas of plaque development in the brain.  Most attacks last from several days to weeks, however, some may last for months. However, not all plaques cause symptoms.  Treatment, such as IV steroids, is available for MS attacks.

We encourage every patient to be empowered with making decisions in their healthcare. Healthy diets, supplemental Vitamin D therapy, exercise and activity, and physical therapy if needed, are all important parts of keeping your high quality of life in the face of MS.

General multiple sclerosis information:

In today’s information-rich environment, it is easy to be overwhelmed by too much information.  We offer tailored educational discussions during your visits, and take-home material as well.  Please feel free to ask questions during your visit.

While we encourage you to make a list of concerns you want to discuss when you come to the office, we are also available via phone for questions and concerns that may not have been addressed during your routine visit.  We strive to return your call in 48 hours.

Support Group:

In addition to the National MS Society, we are members of the Consortium of MS Centers. We suggest that you become an active member of your local chapter of the National MS Society.

Drug Treatments:

Oral-There are three oral MS medications on the market.  These include Aubagio, Tecfidera, and Gilenya.  Please see the following websites for more information on oral medication.

Injectable-There are also four self-injectable medications on the market.  These include Avonex, Copaxone, Rebif, and Betaseron.  Please see the following websites for more information on self-injectable medication.

Monthly intravenous (IV) infusion-There is also one medication on the market that is given through an IV on a monthly basis.  We have partnered through Intrafusion, for the IV infusion of Tysabri in our office.  We are a certified Tysabri infusion center.  A registered nurse carefully monitors the patient throughout the infusion, and conforms to the protocol to minimize the patient’s risk of complications from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).  Please see the following website for more information on Tysabri.

We partner with local specialists to provide the highest quality care for each and every patient.

By joining us in advocacy for patients with MS, you can become part of the solution to the growing prevalence of MS in our society. Please let us know how we can better serve you.  We strive to continuously improve the quality and availability of our care.

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed