Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammatory Disorders
Neuroinflammatory disorders happen when the immune system—the very system designed to protect the body—becomes overly active and attacks healthy cells. The immune system may damage parts of the central nervous system, which encompasses the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. There is no known cure for these diseases. But we can slow and sometimes even stop them with treatment. We can also treat their symptoms to improve your quality of life.
Probably the best known neuroinflammatory disorder is multiple sclerosis (MS). This disease affects the central nervous system. It disrupts the flow of information between the brain or spinal cord and the rest of the body. It develops differently in every patient. MS often causes disability. We offer treatments that can help.
In addition to expertise in treating multiple sclerosis, Mount Sinai has expertise in treating a variety of rare neuroinflammatory disorders. These include:
- Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
- Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorder (MOG)
- Autoimmune encephalitis
- Transverse Myelitis
- Optic neuritis
- Neurosarcoidosis
Why Mount Sinai
Multiple sclerosis can affect many parts of the body. As a result, it helps to have a wide range of specialists available. At Mount Sinai, we have an extensive network of health care providers. This means that we have whatever expertise you may need. In addition, we participate in the latest research, which means that our patients may be able to participate in advanced studies, including clinical trials. And we provide all of this specialized and expert care with compassion and attention to you as an individual.
At Mount Sinai, we provide support services. We offer individual counseling for patients who need it. We also run two support groups. One is meant for patients with progressive MS disease, the other for patients with cognitive issues. Both are led by our social workers who have extensive experience and understanding of neuroinflammatory disorders. Our social workers help with issues regarding employment and disability applications. They also assist with other issues to provide coordinated care.
We also have a new wellness program. This can help with lifestyle changes that can affect MS prognosis like diet, exercise, and sleep.