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What is multiple sclerosis?
MS is a progressive and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. The severity of the disease and its symptoms vary from person to person.
MS is a chronic disease of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS is a disorder that causes the immune system to attack the bodys own tissues. These attacks may be linked to an unknown trigger, perhaps a virus. It has been hypothesized that the virus is found in temperate climates, and exposure may occur in the early teenage years. Genetics play an unclear role. Although MS is not directly inherited people are believed to inherit an increased susceptibility.
What causes multiple sclerosis?
Most people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) spend at least some time wondering if they did something to cause the disease. They may also wonder whether their children or other family members have an increased risk of developing MS and whether there is anything to be done about that. Relatives of people with MS also wonder about their risk and whether there is anything that they can do to avoid MS. What causes MS and who is at risk for getting it is a complex topic and, unfortunately, there are no clear and easy answers. Part of the answer is genetic. New genes associated with MS have recently been identified, but this is only part of a complex and unfolding story. Technically, multiple sclerosis is known as a multi-factorial disease. This means that MS is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Fatigue
Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
Weakness
Tremor
Difficulty walking (ataxia)
Dizziness and vertigo
Decreased or double vision
Problems with coordination and balance
Bladder and/or bowel problems
Sensory symptoms (pain)
Language difficulties
Difficulty with thinking, memory and attention
Mood problems
Sexual problems
Is there a cure for M.S.?
As yet there is not cure for multiple sclerosis but there are many treatments that can help manage its symptoms.
How is M.S. diagnosed?
There is no single test that is completely conclusive but there are several tests and procedures that can be used to establish a diagnosis of M.S.:
A medical history
A lumbar puncture
Evoked Potentials test
MRI
Neurological Examination
How do I decide which therapy is best for me?
It is important to learn about your treatment options and discuss them with your healthcare provider. It is important to consider timeliness as studies have shown the earlier a patient begins treatment the less disability they will have from multiple sclerosis over the long run. You will also want to consider side effects, your current lifestyle and how the therapy is administered.
What complementary and alternative therapies are available for M.S.?
Biologically based therapies (diets, herbal medicine, etc.)
Alternative Medical Systems (Acupuncture, homeopathy, tai Chi, etc.)
Lifestyle and Disease Prevention (Exercise)
Mind-Body Medicine (biofeedback, spiritual practice, pets, etc.)
Manipulative and Body Based Systems (massage and body work)
Energy Therapies (magnets and therapeutic touch)
Refer to www.ms-cam.org for more information
How do I find a MS provider?
If you are located in Colorado the Rocky Mountain MS Center maintains an updated list of MS providers. Otherwise you can call 1-800-FIGHT MS which will connect you to your local chapter of the National MS Society.
Is there financial assistance available to help pay for treatment?
If you are on an injectable therapy, contact the pharmaceutical company which manufactures it to learn about their assistance programs.
National Organizations of Rare Diseases
http://www.rarediseases.org/programs/medication
Other sources are:
www.needymeds.org
Avonex visit http://www.avonex.com or call 1.800.456.2255
Betaseron visit http://www.patientassistance.com/
Copaxone visit http://www.freemedicineprogram.org/
Rebif visit http://www.mslifelines.com/
Tysabri visit http://www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com
What role does the Rocky Mountain MS Center play for those living with multiple sclerosis and their families?
The Rocky Mountain MS Center provides programs and services for people living with MS, family members, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
We assist individuals and their families by providing information, referral, education, support and individualized care including an adult day program. We are recognized internationally for our research which includes multiple clinical trials, operating one of the largest MS-specific tissue banks in North America, housing a MS blood repository and the largest MS disease registry (NARCOMS). For more information on programs and services for people affected by MS please explore www.mscenter.org or contact Amber Linstrom at 1-866-557-7030 x 100 or
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.
How can I participate in clinical trials?
A variety of clinical trials are available to patients through the MS Clinic at the Anschutz Medical Campus. Faculty-initiated clinical research fuels the search for safer a more effective treatments and combination therapies. Call 303-724-2198 to find out how you can become involved.
How do I make an appointment to see a neurologist?
To see a neurologist at one of our clinics, please call 303-788-3040 x100.
Where is the MS Center clinic?
The Rocky Mountain MS Center offers care at two clinics in the Denver Metro Area.
The Rocky Mountain MS Center Clinic at the Anschutz Medical Center is located in Aurora at 1635 Aurora Court, Fourth Floor Aurora, CO 80010.
We offer care for those without insurance or those on Medicaid at our MS Clinic at Potomac Street. This clinic is located at the Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN) at 700 Potomac St., Suite A Aurora, CO 80011.
Does the MS Center clinic accept insurance?
The Rocky Mountain MS Center at the Anschutz Medical Center does accept insurance. For more information on the details of accepted insurance, please call 303-788-4030 x.100.
Is there a clinic for Medicaid and/or uninsured MS patients?
Yes, we offer care for those without insurance or those on Medicaid at our MS Clinic at Potomac Street. This clinic is located at the Metro Community Provider Network (MCPN) at 700 Potomac St., Suite A Aurora, CO 80011.
Where can I learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance?
The application for Social Security Disability Insurance can be stressful and complicated. We offer the Disability Assessment and Legal Clinic programs to those who would like to learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or who are applying for benefits. The Center provides one-on-one education about SSDI benefits, criteria and the application process. When necessary, the Center assists patients with obtaining additional evaluations that might be helpful in documenting work-related difficulties. For an appointment, please contact 303-788-4030 x 100.
Who can I talk to about nutrition and/or diet supplements?
Tom Stewart, PA-C offers a one hour phone consultation called the Individualized Integrated Education Program (IIEP). The IIEP is designed to help integrate the best of conventional and non-conventional medicine, exercise, diet and dietary supplements, and other therapies that may help you to manage your symptoms better. Please call Kathy to schedule an appointment 1-866-557-7030 ext. 103. The cost of the appointment is $50 and includes three informational booklets. The appointments are only available on Thursdays between the hours of 9a.m and 4p.m. MST.
I am a former MS Center patient, how do I get a copy of my medical records?
If you are a current patient of the Rocky Mountain MS Center at the Anschutz Medical campus then call 720-848-2030 to request a copy. If you are a former patient of the Rocky Mountain MS Center within the last 7 years please contact the office of Dr. Allen Bowling at 303-788-7667.
How can I be added to the MS Center mailing list?
If you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter, InforMS, seminar invitations, clinical trial opportunities, and fundraising events please email
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with you full name, address and email address. Or you can contact her at 1-866-557-7030 x 100.
How can I be removed from the MS Center mailing list?
If you are currently receiving information from the Rocky Mountain MS Center, but would like to be removed from our mailing list please email
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with you full name, address and email address. Or you can contact her at 1-866-557-7030 x 100.
Is there a counselor I can talk to at the MS Center?
Pat Daily, LCSW is the Director of Counseling and Support Services at the Rocky Mountain MS Center. We are able to provide one free consultation. Please schedule appointment directly with Ms. Daily by contacting her at 1-866-557-7030 x 107.
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