Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a crippling disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. MS causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly destroy the protective layer (called the myelin sheath) that covers nerves. Although myelin can grow back, it doesn’t grow fast enough to stop the disease’s damage.

MS can eventually damage nerve cells, including those in the brain. Nerves transmit messages from the central nervous system to other body parts, and they help control muscle movement. With MS, irreversible damage to the nerves often causes people to lose the ability to walk or speak clearly.

UAB Multiple Sclerosis Center

The UAB Multiple Sclerosis Center offers a wide variety of services for people with MS and related conditions. Our neurologists are experts in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating MS and other immune system-based disorders of the central nervous system. Our center actively follows more than 1,500 patients with MS.

Our Multiple Sclerosis Center has been recognized for our care of MS patients. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has designated UAB Medicine as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care, which is the highest level of recognition. UAB is one of only seven such centers within a 200-mile radius of Birmingham. Our center also is an affiliate of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

Why choose UAB Medicine

Patients of the UAB Multiple Sclerosis Center may be referred for specialized services, including neuroimaging, neurophysiological testing, physical and occupational therapy, and neuropsychological evaluation. We also refer patients to other UAB Medicine specialists, including neuro-ophthalmologists, urologists, physiatrists, and pain management physicians. We work closely with your primary physician on your overall care plan. Our doctors and nurses work together in a patient-centered manner, to help ensure that patients receive seamless care that is backed by knowledge, innovation, and compassion.

Care Providers

Khurram Bashir, MD, MPH Neurology Frank Benesh, MD Neurology Adam Gerstenecker, PhD Neuropsychology, Psychology Will Meador, MD Neurology John Rinker, II, MD Neurology

Resources

• UAB Department of Neurology
• National Institutes of Health – Multiple Sclerosis
• National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Related Specialties

• Neurosciences Program