Neurology
Care for multiple sclerosis
Portland-based multiple sclerosis care
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a slowly progressive disease of the central nervous system. MS is an autoimmune disease that damages the protective covering of nerves in your brain and spine, which leads to multiple physical problems. Whether you or a loved one has relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, primary or secondary progressive MS or is in need of an accurate diagnosis, Legacy Health offers the most comprehensive care in Portland.
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
MS symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be different for each person. They can come and go unpredictably. Symptoms may be triggered by becoming overheated or having an infection that raises your body temperature.
Common symptoms include:
- Tingling and numbness, especially in the hands and feet.
- Feeling very tired.
- Mental confusion or short-term memory loss.
- Muscle spasms or shooting pains.
- Trouble walking.
- Frequent urination or trouble moving your bowels.
- Vision problems.
- Emotional upset such as depression.
When your immune system attacks your central nervous system, it hurts the fatty, protective lining around the nerves in your brain and spine. This lining is called myelin. Over time these attacks can cause myelin to be replaced by scar tissue. This scar tissue disrupts or delays nerve signals which can cause these symptoms.
The damage from attacks can build up over time and some may become permanent. The most common type of MS is called relapsing-remitting, where symptoms come and go. Most people don’t become severely disabled by MS, and MS does not shorten their life. The less common type of MS is called progressive MS. People with progressive MS have more risk of becoming disabled.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective lining (myelin) around the nerves.
MS rehabilitation
Our comprehensive team of expert therapists will address the physical, emotional and independent living needs of people with MS. Our licensed physical and occupational therapists are highly experienced and have advanced training in neurological rehabilitation. We will work collaboratively with patients, their families and health care providers to establish treatment goals specific to their needs. Our therapists will help achieve their highest level of functional goals. This will help them return to living either independently or with a little extra assistance.
We work closely with the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon.
For more information about MS rehab or to schedule an appointment, please call 503-413-3707 in Oregon or 360-487-3750 in Washington.
MS treatment
There are many multiple sclerosis therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Our MS specialists will work with patients to find the right therapeutic approach to maintain the highest quality of life possible.
