Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide, making it the most common cause of non-traumatic disability in young people. The autoimmune disease involves the central nervous system and causes fatigue, vision problems, tingling sensation, muscle weakness, and balance and coordination issues.
If you’ve been diagnosed with MS or suspect that you have it, neurologists at the Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation can help you clarify, understand and manage your condition. Our Multiple Sclerosis clinic is recognized as a Comprehensive Partner in MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This formal recognition honors Dr. Joanna Cooper and Sutter Health’s commitment to providing exceptional, coordinated MS care; and a continuing partnership with the Society to address the challenges of people affected by MS.
Because there’s no specific test for MS, getting a diagnosis is a process of eliminating all other possibilities. It’s important that you find a neurologist who has the expertise to make an accurate clinical diagnosis. Because we treat 1,000 people with MS a year, our specialists have the experience to accurately determine your condition. We’ll use your symptom history, neurological exam, and lab and imaging tests to make a diagnosis. We may also perform other specialized tests, such as a spinal tap, evoked potential tests or ocular coherence tomography.
The treatment of MS has become highly complex and requires a team approach. Through our interdisciplinary care, we offer seamless, integrated access to multiple specialists, including urologists, ophthalmologists, neuropsychologists and rehabilitation specialists—all with expertise in the treatment of this disease.
Our goal is to maintain and improve your quality of life through our patient-centric individualized approach. Your care may include:
- Treatment for relapses.
- Disease-modifying therapy.
- Symptom management and rehabilitation.
- Management of comorbidities.
- Psychosocial support.
- Wellness, including sleep, exercise, smoking cessation, weight management, mental health and mind/body connection.
- Physical, speech and occupational therapy.
In addition, you’ll have access to education and support groups at our center, as well as clinical research programs in MS. For the past 20 years we’ve taken part in more than 60 studies, many of which have resulted in the availability of the medications that are currently used to treat the disease.