Neurology: Multiple Sclerosis

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

The Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Program at the UF Health Neuroscience Institute — recognized by the National MS Society as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care — 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 outcome.

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

Related Media

Emily's Story

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Michelle's Story

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  • 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

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

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 telerehabilitation. Check out this article (Tele-Rehabilitation for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and Mobility Disorders—A Feasibility and Pilot Study on some of the work that our clinicians have done with our patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

As well, 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 (such as their piece dedicated to the effects of MS on the urinary bladder and a guide to symptom management).

Videos

  • Constance V. Katsafanas, D.O.
    Assistant Professor
    Program Director, Neurology Residency; Associate Program Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship; Associate Clerkship Director
    Specializes in Neurology; Vascular Neurology
  • Michael T. Pulley, M.D., Ph.D.
    Professor
    Specializes in Clinical Neurophysiology; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurology; Neuromuscular Medicine
  • Scott L. Silliman, M.D.
    Professor
    Medical Director, Comprehensive Stroke Program; Program Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship
    Specializes in Multiple Sclerosis; Neurology; Vascular Neurology

Locations

  1. UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program

    POB, 3rd Floor
    1833 Boulevard
    Jacksonville, FL 32206

  2. UF Health Neurology – Jacksonville

    Tower I, 9th Floor
    580 West 8th Street
    Jacksonville, FL 32209

  3. UF Health Neurology – North

    Suite 6500
    15255 Max Leggett Parkway
    Jacksonville, FL 32218

  4. UF Health Neurology – St. Augustine

    Suite 5000
    300 Health Park Blvd.
    St. Augustine, FL 32086