Treating MS and Neuroimmunologic Diseases

At the Inova MS and Neuro-Immunology Center we are prepared to help patients at all stages of MS. Treating MS and neuroimmunologic diseases involves affecting the immune system. We have more than 20 medications to choose from for MS treatment - from mild immune modulators to strong immune suppressants to precision medications. We match the severity of your condition to the medication you need. This further emphasizes the need for the specialist.

Symptomatic treatment is also important because this can greatly improve your quality of life. We partner with physicians focused in MS in other specialties to our patients to feel better. Our care team works with Inova Rehabilitation Services who offers rehabilitation therapists specifically trained in MS treatment. There are medications for fatigue, pain, bladder dysfunction, concentration difficulties and other symptoms. Botox injections and baclofen pumps can provide immense relief to patients with severely tight muscles.

At Inova, we have a comprehensive baclofen pump program. It includes evaluation, pump replacement, monitoring, dose adjustment and pump refills through partners.

Conditions We Treat

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting the eyes, brain, limbs and bladder that usually manifests with a combination of attacks lasting days to weeks and gradual worsening (progression).

Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) or Devic's disease is an autoimmune disease usually affecting eyes and limbs that usually involves a series of very severe, difficult-to-treat attacks.

Optic Neuritis is an immune inflammation of the optic nerve, sometimes causing transient or permanent blindness in one or both eyes. It is usually caused by autoimmune disease (including MS or NMO), infections and other causes.

Transverse Myelitis is an immune inflammation of the spinal cord, causing weakness, pain, muscle spasms or bladder difficulties. Usually due to autoimmune disease, infections, or other causes.

Anti-MOG disease is a newly discovered autoimmune disease that can look like MS or NMO, caused by antibodies attacking the myelin insulation of nerves (MOG stands for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein).

Autoimmune Encephalitis and Paraneoplastic disorders is a group of disorders in which antibodies attack the brain causing severe seizures and psychiatric syndromes. These can sometimes be associated with cancers (paraneoplastic disorder).

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disorder that generally affects the lungs, heart, and nervous system.

Cerebral Vasculitis is a rare cause of strokes due to autoimmune inflammation of the blood vessels in your brain.

This includes diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren Syndrome or ANCA vasculitis can cause brain, spinal cord or nerve damage.

Autoimmune Neuropathy is an autoimmune destruction of nerves causing pain or weakness.

PML is a very rare complication of immune suppressants caused by the JC Virus.

We can treat complications of brain infections, both in the hospital and our clinic.

Call for an Appointment

If you are experiencing signs or symptoms suspicious of MS or a neuro-immunological condition, please call us for an appointment: 571-472-4200.