Multiple Sclerosis

Our approach to multiple sclerosis

MS is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any part of your brain and produce almost any neurological symptom. This illness is unique because the onset is usually in young adulthood, most typically around age 29. Caucasian women are at the highest risk, but it can affect anyone.

Because we know the psychosocial aspects of this disease are immense, we go beyond treating the underlying illness and symptoms. We provide warm, holistic care that nurtures both your physical health and emotional well-being. You can expect to develop a decades-long relationship with your MS specialist when you partner with us.

How we work together

Our MS program doctors meet weekly to discuss the treatment and management of our most complex cases. We collaborate most frequently with radiologists and MRI imaging specialists. 

To round out your care, we depend on essential health service professionals, including: 

• Pharmacists
• MS nurse navigator
• MS nurse practitioner
• Nursing staff
• Physical therapists 
• Occupational therapists
• Social workers

Why choose UCI Health for multiple sclerosis care?

Our neurologists have special training to handle the immense complexity of multiple sclerosis

If you have MS, it’s vital that you work with a trained MS doctor rather than a general neurologist. MS doctors have subspecialty training as neuroimmunologists, an area that focuses on immune attacks on the brain. 

They have a much deeper understanding of the basic biology of the underlying disease. This also gives them insight into the mechanisms that make MS drugs work or not work. Our specialists can select the best disease modifying therapy for you, one that won’t damage your immune system.

We take education seriously and make sure to keep you informed about how and why your treatments work.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society designated us as a comprehensive care clinic

We earned this national distinction for setting a high standard of advanced care, giving you access to occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy services, and more.

We can direct you to NMS programs where you can meet up with fellow MS patients to discuss your progress.

Our MS specialists are both clinicians and researchers

As an academic medical center, we conduct ground-breaking research and clinical trials for multiple sclerosis. If you qualify for a trial, you may gain access to innovative treatments not yet widely available. 

We’ll help you address and reduce the anxiety and psychosocial issues that understandably arise

There are very few diseases that start in your 20s or 30s. Our social workers will help you work through emotional swings and personal issues. Reducing fear and anxiety will allow all your other treatments to work more effectively.