Multiple Sclerosis Specialist

Multiple sclerosis (MS) develops when your immune response malfunctions and gradually destroys a vital part of your nervous system. If you have symptoms of MS, board-certified neurologist Daniel Tesfaye, MD of Atlanta Neuro Care in Conyers, Georgia, can help. Dr. Tesfaye has extensive experience in treating all forms of MS and assisting patients in leading more active lives for longer. To find out how you could benefit from his expertise in treating MS, call Atlanta Neuro Care to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disorder of your central nervous system that can result in loss of function and disability. It's an autoimmune condition, which means it develops when your immune system reacts to normal, healthy cells as though they were potentially hostile.

With MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting your nerve fibers. As a result, the communication between your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of your body breaks down. In time, the damage to your nerves can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities and leave you unable to walk.

There's currently no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, Dr. Tesfaye provides a range of advanced treatments to lessen the condition's effects on your daily life.

What symptoms does multiple sclerosis cause?

Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary among patients because the disease can affect different types of nerves. The severity of the illness also differs among patients. However, some of the common symptoms of MS include:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tremor
• Loss of coordination
• Unsteady gait
• Partial or total loss of vision
• Pain when moving the eyes
• Double or blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Chronic fatigue
• Dizziness
• Tingling sensations
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bowel and bladder incontinence
• Lhermitte's sign (electric-shock feeling when moving your neck)

The most common type of multiple sclerosis is relapsing-remitting MS. This form of the disease goes in a long-term cycle of periods when your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, with intervals of stability in between.

About 50% of people with relapsing-remitting MS go on to develop secondary-progressive MS. This can occur 10-20 years after multiple sclerosis first appears. If this happens, your symptoms get increasingly worse, and you might not be able to walk.

Some people suffer from primary-progressive MS and don't experience the relapse and remission cycle at all.

What treatments can help with multiple sclerosis?

At Atlanta Neuro Care, Dr. Tesfaye works with you to help prevent relapses and reduce the effects of your symptoms.

There are 16 approved drugs available for treating multiple sclerosis. These are called disease-modifying therapies, which help to reduce relapses, decrease inflammation, and prevent new nerve damage. Examples include beta interferons, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, and mitoxantrone.

Other therapies that could help alleviate your symptoms include:

• Corticosteroids
• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)
• Physical therapy
• Mobility aids
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications to reduce fatigue
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Some patients may benefit from taking dalfampridine medication to increase their walking speed a little. 

Leading a healthy lifestyle – regular exercise, a nutritious diet, stress management, and quitting bad habits like smoking – are also important.

If you're experiencing any symptoms of multiple sclerosis, call Atlanta Neuro Care today, or book an appointment online.