Facing the first symptoms and a new multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be terrifying, leaving you with a flood of questions about your future. How do you navigate your career, relationships, and whether to start a family? The uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Support from loved ones and connections with others living…

In this era of highly effective treatments, early intervention for multiple sclerosis can be life changing. However, the wide range of initial symptoms often leads to many people being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving them without the proper care for years. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss the early signs of MS and the key tests, such as …

The spinal cord serves as the main communication highway between the brain and body. Did you know that 80% of people with multiple sclerosis have spinal cord lesions on MRI? These lesions can disrupt specific neural pathways, leading to common MS symptoms like numbness, weakness, impaired coordination, balance issues, bladder problems, constipation…

Awareness of the more uncommon multiple sclerosis symptoms can lead to an earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For instance, experiencing electrical shock sensations when bending the neck forward, known as Lhermitte’s sign, may indicate an attack on the cervical spinal cord. Likewise, excruciating bolts of pain across either side of the fac…

Prepare to be intrigued by the groundbreaking intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and multiple sclerosis care! By combing through extensive databases, including genetic information and real patient records, AI can forecast with remarkable accuracy the likelihood of MS onset. In the near future, AI could even serve as a guiding light for cl…

Living with multiple sclerosis isn't just about managing the condition itself, but often involves navigating a myriad of additional health concerns known as comorbidities. Individuals with MS face a higher risk of experiencing new relapses when dealing with comorbidities like high cholesterol or depression. Furthermore, autoimmune diseases such as …

Sex hormones, such as estrogens and testosterone, affect each individual's journey living with multiple sclerosis. While both genders face equal MS risk before puberty and after menopause, women experience up to three times higher risk during their reproductive years. Pregnancy generally brings less relapses, potentially attributed to high estriol …

In a paradigm-shifting discovery, researchers uncovered that B cells, not T cells, wield significant influence on orchestrating neurological damage in MS. Join UCSF Professor Dr. Stephen Hauser as he shares the remarkable odyssey from hurdles to triumphs of developing B cell monoclonal antibody treatment for multiple sclerosis. Disease impact, safe…

Christine Ha, an award-winning blind chef and restauranteur, shares her experience grappling with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Facing relapses with the inability to walk and feed herself that challenged her independence, she leaned on the support from family and friends. As she lost her sight due to optic neuritis in both eyes, M…

Wherever you are on your multiple sclerosis journey, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of mobility. Our experts, both holding doctorates in physical therapy, offer invaluable guidance on enhancing your walking abilities through targeted exercise and specialized therapy. Learn how to reduce the risk of falls, alleviate spastic…

Health equity represents the pursuit of the highest level of well-being for all individuals, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, enjoys a fair and just opportunity to achieve their optimal health. Disparities exist within the multiple sclerosis community. It's a stark reality that Black individuals with MS face an increased …

Navigating life with multiple sclerosis? Gain valuable insights from MS insiders! Stanford nurse practitioner Jong-Mi Lee reveals strategies for accessing MS centers and maximizing available resources. Acquire valuable tips on various topics including overcoming mobility challenges, managing workplace issues, and receiving quality care despite insu…

Step into the powerful realm of MRI imaging, providing us with an unparalleled view of multiple sclerosis. Discover how acute inflammation becomes vivid with contrast, and how various MRI sequences unveil the past battles fought within your brain and spinal cord. We'll explore advances in techniques, revealing brain shrinkage, gray matter disease a…

Dive into a deeper understanding of the role of inflammation in causing injury to the brain and spinal cord in multiple sclerosis. It’s a journey marked by ups and downs, where the adaptive immune system composed of lymphocytes (T and B cells) attack myelin and the innate immune system clears damaged myelin. An immune cell called microglia can crea…

Yes, children can get multiple sclerosis. Children ages 12 and up are more typically affected and rarely before age 8. Awareness is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment of pediatric-onset MS (POMS). Accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in children requires screening for other conditions like MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Risk…

Trying to confirm if you have multiple sclerosis can be a frustrating process. Dealing with a new diagnosis a MS can be overwhelming. Julian Gamboa and Dr. Jakai Nolan shed light on a positive path forward living with multiple sclerosis. Julian Gamboa shares his first symptoms of multiple sclerosis including spinning sensation and double vision. He…

Years before the first typical neurological symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as numbness or visual loss, individuals can have other symptoms that are often overlooked. This period of time is called the MS prodrome. During the prodrome phase, there is an increase in symptoms including skin, gastrointestinal and psychiatric issues. Research may le…

Knowing which MS changes are significant enough to warrant speaking up can be hard. Relapses can occur every 1-2 years without treatment, but much less frequently on disease-modifying treatment. Distinguishing between an actual relapse, a pseudorelapse or just brief worsening of symptoms (Uhthoff’s phenomenon) explained. Options for relapses such a…

With over 20 options, what is the best multiple sclerosis treatment for me? Selecting an appropriate disease-modifying therapy (DMT) needs to consider your risk of worsening disability over time. Your age, sex and race can affect your prognosis and can influence the power of treatment chosen. Details about your early relapses and MRI activity are v…

Digital technology has transformed our lives. For people living with multiple sclerosis, electronic health opens a new world. Biosensors in our smartphones and wearable devices can monitor physical activity levels and sleep and may detect MS disease changes faster than that next neurologist appointment. New apps can help people with MS manage and t…

Multiple sclerosis frequently causes visual impairment. 70% of people living with the disease can develop optic neuritis at some point and often the first sign of MS. The symptoms, medical evaluation, treatment and prognosis of optic neuritis are conveyed. Besides multiple sclerosis, other causes are discussed including MOG antibody-associated dise…

Rapid recent advancements have led to blood tests (biomarkers) to track multiple sclerosis disease activity. A biomarker is something that can be measured to check normal functioning or the impact of a disease. Blood biomarkers are common in medicine to measure response to therapy such as measuring hemoglobin A1c levels for diabetic control and cho…

Our immune systems become less robust as we age. With an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, a weakened immune system can lead to less relapses and active MRI lesions. However, many people living with multiple sclerosis develop progressive disease with worsening physical and cognitive disability as they age. Strategies to live better wit…

Trying to figure out the ideal diet for multiple sclerosis? Two of the leading experts on diet and multiple sclerosis share our current understanding based on the latest research. Diets reviewed include intermittent fasting, Swank diet, Wahls protocol and Mediterranean diet. The role of the gut organisms, called the microbiome, on immune health exp…

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes multiple sclerosis based on a new monumental study in young adults serving on active duty in the US military. The study found that the risk of developing MS increased 32-fold after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis, spreads through saliva and infects B immune cells. Albert…

Interested in improving MS care? Participating in a clinical trial may have personal advantages and help others in the future. Trial design discussed including whether or not a placebo (no treatment) will be used. Criteria needed to enroll in a clinical study called inclusion and exclusion criteria explained. Key elements of clinical trials outline…

Cutting-edge research is revolutionizing how multiple sclerosis is diagnosed and monitored. The central vein sign on MRI may soon be a key way of confirming if someone has multiple sclerosis versus other conditions such as migraine, vasculitis, neurosarcoidosis and blockage of small blood vessels (from age, smoking and hypertension). Early clues on…

Wellness is a proactive approach to living with multiple sclerosis. Wellness complements routine neurological care, which is often reactive to new relapses, symptoms and disease progression. Nutrition reviewed including diets such as intermittent fasting, paleo and Wahls Protocol. Great physical health relies on keeping up with routine cancer scree…

Struggling with anxiety or depression? Over half of people living with multiple sclerosis can experience depression and up to 40% have anxiety. Both psychological and physical symptoms that people with MS experience are explained. Causes for these mood disorders are discussed including immune inflammation in the brain, adaptation to having a chroni…

Progressive multiple sclerosis can be a worrisome diagnosis, filled with questions about one's personal future including independence. In this podcast, Mark Webb shares his personal story of transition to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with incredible resiliency, brilliant humor and tenacious optimism. He explains how MS has affected his …

People living with multiple sclerosis often experience chronic numbness, burning, tingling and pins-and-needles sensations. In a recent study, 70% of people with MS reported numbness and tingling, and 55% reported pain associated with relapses. MS neurologists explain typical symptoms for brain and spinal cord MS attacks compared to a pinched nerve…

At this recording, the COVID-19 pandemic is raging with nearly 100 million people affected and over 2.1 million dead. Recently available COVID-19 vaccines are providing some much needed hope. Vaccinations have been extremely effective in saving people from fatal diseases but many people living with multiple sclerosis have questions about whether CO…

Being diagnosed and living with multiple sclerosis is often overwhelming. Your MS journey might be challenging, frustrating and depressing at times. On the bright side, superb MS care is available. This podcast lays out ways that you can take charge of MS and get the care you deserve. Topics include finding the right neurologist for you and how to …

Struggling with MS fatigue? You aren't alone. Approximately 90% of people living with multiple sclerosis deal with fatigue. An overwhelming sense of tiredness can be disruptive at work and take away from your family time and social life. This podcast dives into the different causes of MS fatigue, including disease impact on nervous system, medicati…

Warning: ADULT CONTENT for 18 Years of age or older. Sexual health is an important part of quality of life for many people. Multiple sclerosis can cause new challenges and disrupt sexual relationships. Positioning options, including pillows and slings, are reviewed that can help overcome weakness and stiffness of legs. Factors that can reduce a wom…

Trouble with your bladder? Most people with multiple sclerosis have bladder issues. Penelope shares her personal bladder challenges with urgency, trouble emptying her bladder and use of catheters. Rather than being embarrassed, Penelope gives advice on when to speak up to get needed medical care and how to cope (laughter helps). Dr. Travis Bullock …

This podcast explores cognitive issues in multiple sclerosis. Caroline Craven aka The Girl With MS shares the impact of MS on her short-term memory, word-finding ability and multitasking skills. She talks about the role of stress, sleep and mood have on her cognition. Caroline reviews how she copes with these changes partially through diet, exercis…

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, telemedicine has rapidly become the new standard for patients to communicate with their neurologists. Video conferences on smartphones, tablets, and laptops have… for now at least… replaced almost all appointments that used to be done in person. Dr. Stephen Krieger from New York City and Dr. Annette Okai from …

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, neurologists from multiple sclerosis centers from Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy share their experiences on the front lines. These MS specialists share how they are supporting and advising patients during this crisis. Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Med…

Multiple sclerosis experts share valuable information about pregnancy and multiple sclerosis. The podcast covers pregnancy planning for a healthy baby while minimizing risk of multiple sclerosis disease activity. Topics of unplanned pregnancies, birth control and role of high-risk obstetricians addressed. Infertility and the role of in vitro fertil…

Multiple sclerosis experts share advice on how to substantially improve your care when interacting with your neurologist. Key insights to develop trust and understanding with your doctor reviewed. Compelling info to help you advocate and communicate your goals and needs. Specific ways to make the most of your appointments addressed. Difficult quest…

Multiple sclerosis often causes nerve pain with burning and pins-needles sensations, and spasticity associated with muscle tightness and cramping. The specific role of medical marijuana components including THC and CBD in MS in alleviating these MS symptoms addressed. Information regarding which MS patients are more likely to benefit from cannabis …

Country living far from large cities has wonderful advantages, but can present some unique challenges to receive optimal multiple sclerosis care. This podcast addresses when it’s time to drive to see a MS specialist. MS experts share their wisdom on various strategies to access the most current treatments while still enjoying life in countryside fr…

Myelin is the coating on the nerve cells (neurons) of the nervous system that allows messages to travel rapidly in our body. Myelin wrapped around the neurons also keeps neurons healthy. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin disrupting electrical signals and making neurons vulnerable to chronic damage. Remyelination is the strateg…

Treatment approaches to multiple sclerosis continue to change. Over the past quarter of a century, MS went from an untreatable disease to a disease responsive to a broad array of oral, intravenous and self-injected medications. Greater long-term disease control is now possible for more people living with MS. However, undertreatment can result in si…