Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and can cause vision loss, difficulty walking and debilitating fatigue, among other things. Multiple sclerosis typically starts between the ages of 28 and 35, but people of any age can be affected. There has been a revolution in our ability to treat MS in the past 25 years, and due to advances in science, we now have the ability to prevent physical disability in patients living with MS.

While the cause of MS is still unknown, one thing is for sure — it requires proactive care to manage its symptoms and keep flare-ups at bay.

2.3 million

More than 2 million people worldwide live with MS

At Ochsner, we understand that the symptoms of MS can vary greatly from patient to patient, which is why our treatment plans consists of coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to fit each patient’s needs. The Ochsner Multiple Sclerosis Center focuses on patient wellness and includes routine counseling on vitamin supplementation, diet, exercise and stress reduction. Ochsner works hard to translate leading-edge research into more sophisticated treatments for patients with MS. Patients travel to the Ochsner Multiple Sclerosis Center from all over the Gulf South for advanced immunotherapies and treatment of symptoms. We also offer on-site mental health services and yoga classes designed specifically for MS patients.

Why Ochsner for Multiple Sclerosis Care?

Ochsner’s Multiple Sclerosis Center offers the most advanced treatment and management of the disease, including:

Advanced Therapeutics

Ochsner offers the latest infusion therapies for MS patients.

Coordinated and comprehensive care for patients and families We address each and every symptom, leaving no stone unturned.

A Focus on Wellness

Ochsner provides routine counseling on the unique needs of MS patients when it comes to vitamins, diet, exercise and stress management.

Cutting-edge Research

We’re always striving to find better treatments through clinical trials and research.

Insurance Expertise

We’ll work with you to tackle issues that are unique to MS patients.

Conditions Treated

Multiple Sclerosis
Neuromyelitis optica
Optic neuritis
Neuroimmunological disorders
Spasticity

Managing Symptoms

Symptoms of MS are highly variable from person to person and from time to time in the same individual. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, most can be successfully managed with strategies that include medication, self-care techniques, rehabilitation (with a physical or occupation therapist, speech/language pathologist, cognitive remediation specialist, among others) and the use of assistive devices.

Promoting Function through Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs focus on function-they are designed to help MS patients improve or maintain their ability to perform effectively and safely at home and work. Rehabilitation professionals focus on overall fitness and energy management, while addressing problems with accessibility and mobility, speech and swallowing and memory and other cognitive functions.

Rehabilitation is an important component of comprehensive, quality health care for people with MS, at all stages of the disease. Rehabilitation programs include:

Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Therapy for Speech and Swallowing Problems
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation

Yoga & Meditation Classes

The Ochsner Multiple Sclerosis Center offers Yoga & Meditation classes to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis. The MS Yoga and Meditation class is open to ALL levels of mobility.

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

CAM includes everything from exercise and diet to food supplements, stress management strategies and lifestyle changes. These therapies come from various disciplines and traditions-yoga, hypnosis, relaxation techniques, traditional herbal healing, Chinese medicine, macrobiotics, naturopathy and many others. They are referred to as complementary when they are used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments and alternative when they are used instead of conventional treatments.