Treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

When you’re diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), you may be worried about what your future will look like. At Providence, we provide advanced treatments, support services and compassionate care to help you maximize your independence and live life to the fullest.

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Why Choose Us for Your Multiple Sclerosis Care?

Our goal is to support your overall well-being by slowing the progression of MS. Here’s why thousands of patients trust us every year to help manage their MS symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

Doctor speaking with patient

Multiple sclerosis can cause a range of symptoms. That’s why our neuroscience specialists work together to tailor your care to your needs. Your team develops a relationship with you to monitor and minimize your symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Neurologists with extensive experience treating MS, plus general neurologists, neuropsychologists and neuropsychiatrists, will be part of your team. You may also work with physical and occupational therapists to support your mobility, coordination and energy level.

Providence has long been at the forefront of advancements in treatments for MS and other neuroimmune disorders. Our research has contributed to the development of many medications in use today, including ones that help treat both relapsing and progressing forms of MS. Patients can take part in our clinical trial research program to pioneer promising new MS therapies and tests.

Multiple sclerosis can touch every part of your life. That’s why supporting your mind and spirit is as important to us as your medical treatment. We provide counseling and patient education to help you and your loved ones manage your condition. We also offer movement classes and learning and social opportunities to help you stay engaged with life. Many resources are available online, so you can take part no matter where you are.

At Providence, we are committed to providing access to the best MS care across our diverse community. We respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of each of our patients. We offer location-specific translation services for non-English-speaking patients and help with transportation. We also offer extensive telehealth care for our MS patients. In keeping with our Mission, Providence also offers financial assistance programs that provide free and low-cost care to those who are eligible.

Our MS patients benefit from three dedicated neuroimmunology centers and one of the largest networks of neuroscience clinicians in the country. This collaborative system includes recognized leaders in MS treatment, as well as award-winning physicians, scientists, researchers and caregivers across 51 hospitals in seven states. Our network is one of the reasons we care for MS patients through more than 17,000 appointments every year. 

Our Commitment to Care

“We have a lot of programs to get patients re-engaged in life and activities. Even though patients have a disease that often impacts their day-to-day lives, we want to get them back into the things that bring joy to life and expand their horizons.”

James Bowen, M.D. - Medical Director
Providence ​​​​​​Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Seattle

More About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a neuroimmunological disorder that affects the central nervous system. The disease triggers your immune system to attack tissues in your brain and spinal cord. This can cause numbness, pain, memory problems, fatigue, muscle weakness and many other symptoms that can make it hard to work and manage daily tasks independently. There is no cure for MS, but treatment can slow its progression and reduce its severity.

We treat many types of multiple sclerosis, including: 

  • Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
  • Optic neuritis (MS-related eye disorders)
  • Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)
  • Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
  • Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)
  • Transverse myelitis

Testing and Diagnostics

Doctor talks to patient in office

Your neurological team will use the most advanced methods to diagnose MS. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Blood test
  • Evoked potential tests
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
  • Medical history
  • MRI
  • Physical examination

Personalized Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

No two patients with MS are the same. This is why your care team works with you to create a treatment plan based specifically on your needs. The goal of your plan will be to prevent attacks, reduce symptoms and support your overall well-being and quality of life. Your treatment may include one or more of the following therapies:

  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Rehabilitation psychology
  • Speech therapy

Find Neurological Care Close to You

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

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