Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune illness affecting the central nervous system. Patients with MS require specialized attention for their medical, social and psychological needs that only a comprehensive center can provide.

The Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Program at the UF Health Neuroscience Institute offers compassionate care involving a team approach of medical specialists, all working together to deliver MS patients the highest quality of care and resources for the best possible outcomes.

The program offers a one-stop-shop approach to aggressively treating MS patients with resources such as:

• Expertise to develop the best treatment plan tailored to each patient's individual needs
• Expertise and technology of an academic medical center in using the latest in MS treatment and research
• Comprehensive and coordinated services — including physical, occupational and speech therapies, complex spasticity management, urology, on-site neuroradiology services, social services and psychological testing/counseling
• A dedicated research team of University of Florida physicians offering the most promising MS treatments available only in clinical trials
• A dedicated nurse practitioner to answer questions and implement treatment plans
• A dedicated social worker to coordinate outside services, emotional adjustment and counseling, including pastoral support if requested
• Patient education
• Physician-led support groups for a variety of MS patients and their families including those who are newly diagnosed, teens and young adults and young professionals
• Extending diagnostic possibilities to include other neuro-immunological diseases
• Second opinion service

Evaluation and diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in a patient's quality of life. From the beginning, physicians and staff specifically trained in the treatment of MS work with you to understand your symptoms, establish or verify a diagnosis, and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis

Since each MS patient is unique, our integrative approach focuses on providing treatments and therapies geared specifically to each individual's needs.

Treatment plans may include:

• On-campus physical and occupational therapy with services such as dedicated upper and lower extremity exercise programs, gait and balance training
• Pain management services
• Infusion therapy services
• Symptom-based individual treatments such as trigger-point injections for headaches
• Interaction with a dedicated social worker to help with emotional adjustment and counseling, including pastoral care if requested
• Continuity of care with UF Health HomeCare visiting nurses

UF Health Jacksonville is currently offering telehealth services for individuals in need of tele-rehabilitation.

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation provides a quarterly magazine with information pertaining to the management of multiple sclerosis along with ways to improve one's quality of life.

Our community and patient programs provide great value to patients, families and loved ones. People can find support, educational materials, expert consultants and more. In most instances, these programs are offered free of charge.