Multiple Sclerosis

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body attacks itself by mistake.

It is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms while others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk. That happens when the disease interferes with communication between the brain and other parts of the body.

Contact the MS Center to get care.

Call (585) 275-7854

UR Medicine's Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

The UR Medicine Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center provides excellent clinical care in the area of pediatric neuroimmunologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis and related diseases.

To diagnose MS, our neurologists conduct a complete medical history and neurological examination to rule out other conditions. The neurologist may work with a radiologist to use medical imaging such as CT scanning or MRI to view the lesions caused by MS. Laboratory tests that examine the patient's spinal fluid can also help diagnose MS.

Right now, there is no known cure for MS. To prevent relapses, MS can be treated with medication. In addition, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy may be helpful for some patients. At UR Medicine, we focus on multiple aspects of disease including underling disease progression, secondary symptoms, cognitive status, and emotional well-being.

What Sets Us Apart?

As the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region's only academic medical center, we conduct cutting-edge clinical research and experimental treatments in addition to the care we provide. Our research includes:

Assessing new immunotherapies
Evaluating new therapies
Studies of fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other aspects of MS

As researchers, our team members have been principal investigators and members of national and international steering committees for clinical trials of new therapies.

Team members have served on the Executive Committee of the National Clinical Advisory Board and chaired the Multiple Sclerosis Section of the American Academy of Neurology.