Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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As leaders in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, Duke’s physicians are paving the way for more effective treatments that can target this debilitating disease. While there is no cure for MS, our in-depth understanding of how the disease starts and progresses means we can provide you with more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans -- today and in the future.

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Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan

Multiple sclerosis is not easy to diagnose. If you have MS, your symptoms may come and go, possibly for months at a time, and may be mild. Some symptoms may be the same as those of other conditions. Because there is no one test that can confirm if you have MS, our doctors follow a careful, strategic evaluation that involves detailed examinations, MRIs, and blood and spinal fluid analyses.

Once we confirm your diagnosis, we develop a plan to manage your symptoms using a personalized combination of medication and therapy services. Because we are at the forefront of MS research, our scientists influence how we diagnose and treat your condition.

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Treatments

Medications

Medication plays an important role in managing MS. We prescribe two types:

Disease-modifying medications slow down or change the natural progression of MS and are very effective at reducing flare-ups. They may include injections, pills, or infusions.
High-dose corticosteroids treat severe attacks and reduce inflammation associated with them.

Our specialized clinical pharmacist helps you manage your medications, minimize side effects, and reduce medication costs.

Rehabilitation

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend physical, speech, cognitive, or occupational therapy.

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Tests

There is no one test that can confirm that you have multiple sclerosis. Our experts use the following strategies to determine if you meet the criteria for MS.

Medical History

A thorough medical history is necessary to look for clues that tell us when your symptoms began.

Neurological Exams

A variety of tests are given to evaluate movement; coordination; balance; vision; and mental, emotional, and language functions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This is the best imaging test for detecting MS plaques. Though a diagnosis cannot be based on MRI alone, it may be used to confirm a diagnosis based on medical history and neurological exams.

Evoked Potentials (EPs)

EPs measure the nervous system’s electrical responses to different stimulation and can help confirm a diagnosis.

Blood Tests

These tests may be used to rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to MS.

Spinal Fluid Analysis (Lumbar Puncture)

This test looks for heightened levels of antibodies and certain proteins in the spinal fluid that may help point to a diagnosis.

Best Hospital for Neurology, Neurosurgery in NC

Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our neurology and neurosurgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025.

Why Choose Duke

Designated as Center for Comprehensive Care
Duke University Hospital has been named a Center for Comprehensive Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, recognizing our coordinated, multi-specialty care. Some of our providers have been further recognized by the same organization as Partners in MS Care for their knowledge and expertise in treating people with MS.

Breakthrough MS Research
We are one of three hospitals that form the Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group, the most comprehensive genetic study ever done for MS. Through this partnership, our researchers identified a cluster of genes believed to be largely responsible for the disorder -- a significant finding that could lead to more effective treatments.

Specialized Therapy Services
Our patients have access to comprehensive rehabilitation and therapy services at Duke Raleigh Outpatient Rehabilitation. Staff members are specially trained to work one-on-one with neurology patients, including those with MS. They focus on maximizing your functional capabilities and independence.

Aggressive Treatment Approach
We take what we describe as an aggressive approach to treating MS. That means we offer new medications and therapies as soon as they become available.

Patient Resources

Neurological Rehabilitation

This page was medically reviewed on 07/15/2024 by

Christopher P. Eckstein, MD | Neurologist