Multiple Sclerosis

Nationally Recognized for Multiple Sclerosis Care

As a Partner in MS Care, Novant Health provides enhanced access to resources, programs and services offered by the National MS Society to provide the highest level of care available to those living with multiple sclerosis.

MS symptoms, risks and causes

Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary and can appear or disappear at any time. The most common symptoms include:

Difficulty walking
Vision problems
Fatigue
Numbness or tingling
Balance problems
Weakness
Stiffness and muscle spasms (spasticity), especially in the legs
Incontinence or constipation
Chronic pain or itching
Depression and other mental health and cognitive changes

Risk Factors for MS

Anyone can develop multiple sclerosis. It impacts about 0.5% of the total population and 1% of those with a parent or sibling who has the condition. Multiple sclerosis is most common in Caucasians of Northern European descent.

Additional risk factors that increase the chances of developing or accelerating MS include:

Obesity
Smoking
Other medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis
Exposure to certain viruses, especially the Epstein-Barr virus
Gender (women are 2-3 times more likely to develop MS)
Vitamin D deficiency

Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

While the cause of MS remains unknown, several immunological, environmental and genetic factors are linked to the disease. Researchers are investigating what causes the body's immune system to attack the central nervous system to understand the origin of the disease further.

Studies have shown links to factors such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking, obesity, geographical location and certain viruses and infections. There also appears to be a genetic component to MS. Even though it's not an inherited disease, there's an increased risk of developing MS when a parent or sibling has been diagnosed.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

Two people sitting face to face, showing hands supporting a patient

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis often resemble those of other diseases, so diagnosis involves eliminating other possible conditions. Since there's no specific multiple sclerosis test, your physician will review your medical history to understand your risk factors and discuss your symptoms before recommending a neurological examination or other testing.

Tests typically performed for a multiple sclerosis diagnosis include:

Imaging studies like an MRI
A cerebrospinal fluid study (spinal tap)
Blood work

Your initial MS visit

Your first visit with a multiple sclerosis specialist will last approximately 90 minutes.

Your physician will perform a neurological examination, look at your complete medical history, and may order new lab work and imaging studies. You may need to undergo multiple tests before your neurologist can confirm your diagnosis and begin treatment.

A team approach to treatment

woman in bed taking medication and drinking water

At Novant Health, we take a team approach to your multiple sclerosis treatment. Our specialists work collaboratively to provide holistic care that treats all your multiple sclerosis symptoms and supports your overall physical and mental health.

Having a team of experienced multiple sclerosis specialists and the latest diagnostic and treatment tools, enables us to diagnose and begin treating MS promptly.

Your MS care team may include:

Neurologists
Neuropsychologists
Pharmacists
Social Workers
Speech therapists
Physical therapists

MS treatment and services

Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Services

Our multiple sclerosis specialists use the most advanced tools and therapeutic resources for treating MS. We provide comprehensive care, including:

Infusion services
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Spasticity management
Counseling and support for mental health and wellness
Social work to help identify community resources

Spasticity and Multiple Sclerosis

physician holding a model of a joint

Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The condition involves muscle stiffness and uncontrollable spasms that usually occur in your arms or legs. Spasticity can be extremely painful or feel like a mild ache or tightness. It may disrupt sleep and impair motor skills to the point where everyday activities are difficult or impossible to perform.

Causes of spasticity

When MS attacks the central nervous system, the deterioration of the myelin, which covers and protects your nerves, can disrupt the transmission of electrical signals in your body. The signs of spasticity often appear as the nerve damage progresses. It can also intensify in extreme heat or cold or when aggravated by another medical condition.

Treatment for spasticity

Spasticity management is intended to reduce symptoms and help restore your motor control. Physical therapy involving stretching is a critical component of your care plan that helps maintain range of motion and flexibility. You may also be fitted with splints or braces to aid balance and stability. Medication and Botox® injections are often prescribed for spasticity. In some cases, an intrathecal baclofen therapy pump may be implanted to deliver a muscle relaxant directly to affected areas of the spinal cord.

Find relief from multiple sclerosis.