Multiple Sclerosis

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Santa Rosa Medical Center offers personalized care for multiple sclerosis that spans from initial diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitative services. If you have multiple sclerosis, the neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses and rehabilitative therapists at Santa Rosa Medical Center will work with you and your family to develop an individualized plan that will help manage symptoms and improve daily function.

Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis, sometimes called MS, is a condition that causes the immune system to attack the protective myelin sheaths around nerves, as well as the nerves themselves. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body, making it difficult to function.

Because the symptoms of MS differ greatly between patients, you may or may not experience all of these potential warning signs if you have MS. Depending on the location of the nerve damage (and also how far the disease has progressed), someone with MS might experience any of the following symptoms:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs
• Partial or complete loss of vision, accompanied with pain when moving the eyes
• Prolonged double vision
• Tingling or pain
• Electric-shock sensations with certain neck movements
• Tremor or difficulty with coordination
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder functions

Risk Factors for MS
While they may not necessarily cause multiple sclerosis, the following have been identified as reasons for being at a higher risk for developing MS:

• Age – MS often develops between ages 15 and 60.
• Sex – Women are more likely to develop MS than men.
• Family history – If a relative, especially a parent or sibling, has MS, you are at higher risk.
• Infection – Certain viruses have been linked to MS, including the Epstein-Barr virus.
• Race – Those with the highest chance of having MS are of northern European descent.
• Location – Those living in the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia and Europe are most likely to develop MS.
• Auto immune diseases – Those with type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or certain thyroid diseases are more susceptible to getting MS.
• Smoking – Smokers are more likely to have MS than non-smokers.

Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis
Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are strategies that can help change the course of the disease, treat flare-ups, manage symptoms and improve mobility. In working with your doctor, you may find that one, or a combination of the following options, is right for you:

• Medications can be used to manage symptoms and complications that range from dizziness, fatigue or pain, to bladder dysfunctions and muscle spasms.
• Assistive devices can help facilitate everyday activities - everything from canes and walkers to improve mobility, to specially designed automotive devices to facilitate driving.
• Rehabilitation therapies, including physical, occupational, cognitive and speech and language therapies can help improve motor and cognitive functioning and manage symptoms.
• Clinical trials can offer patients an opportunity to benefit from new treatment options and play an important part in developing more effective treatment options.

Find MS Care Near You In Santa Rosa County
If you have been experiencing MS symptoms, or have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and would like to see a doctor in Santa Rosa County, please call to make an appointment today at (850) 626-7762.