Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive illness of the central nervous system. More than 400,000 people in the U.S. are affected by MS, with 2-3 times as many women as men affected by the disease. In MS, the coating that protects nerves, called myelin, is destroyed or damaged, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis, plaques or lesions. The nerve fiber may also be damaged as the disease progresses.

DENT Neurologic Institute, a leading provider of care for people living with MS in Buffalo has been officially recognized as a Partner in MS Care, Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program. This formal recognition honors DENT Neurologic Institute’s commitment to providing exceptional, coordinated MS care; and a continuing partnership with the Society to address the challenges of people affected by MS.

Diagnosis and Treatment

DENT provides comprehensive care to patients with MS, including diagnostic and continuing care. Because MS sufferers can show a very wide range of symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose MS in the early stages of the disease. Yet research has shown that early diagnosis can often help manage the disease and even slow its progression. A positive diagnosis requires both evidence of the disease in different parts of the nervous system, as well as signs of at least two occurrences of symptoms.

Our clinic specialists will take a complete medical history, and test nervous symptom function, including reflexes, balance, coordination and vision, in addition to checking for areas of numbness. Additionally, we use state-of-the-art imaging technology, including MRI scans to assess the patient’s condition. Other diagnostic tools include evoked potential tests that measure the speed at which the nervous system responds to stimuli, and a spinal tap that checks cerebrospinal fluid for signs of the disease.

Although there is currently no cure for MS, some promising therapies are available to slow the progression of the disease, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life for those affected. DENT is a leader in clinical trials for experimental drug treatments, offering patients who qualify the opportunity to participate in trial treatments.