Condition
Multiple sclerosis care in the Bay Area
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms usually begin between ages 20 and 40 and often come in attacks followed by recovery. Disease-modifying therapies can reduce attacks, and INPM neurologists diagnose and follow people with MS.
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Symptoms depend on where the damage occurs and can include:
- Vision loss or pain with eye movement
- Tingling, numbness or pain in the arms, legs, trunk or face
- Muscle weakness and stiffness, sometimes with painful spasms
- Clumsiness or trouble keeping your balance when walking
- Dizziness, fatigue, bladder control problems, and changes in mood or concentration
Most people with MS have periods of symptoms (attacks or relapses) that improve fully or partly, followed by long stretches without new symptoms. Over time, MS can gradually progress in some people.
When should you see a doctor?
See a clinician promptly for new vision loss or pain with eye movement, new numbness or weakness, or new problems with balance or walking.
How is MS diagnosed at INPM?
Your neurologist reviews your symptoms and does a neurological exam. MRI of the brain and spinal cord shows areas of damage, called plaques, and other tests such as a spinal tap or electrical vision tests can help.
VNG and balance testingDizziness and vertigoLearn more about VNG and balance testing
Cognitive testing (Creyos)Memory and thinkingLearn more about Cognitive testing (Creyos)
What treatment options are available?
Disease-modifying therapies can reduce the frequency of attacks or eliminate them. Other treatments help speed recovery from an attack and manage symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity or pain.
Who treats multiple sclerosis at INPM?
Where can you be seen?
East BayINPM Walnut Creek
301 Lennon Lane, Suite 203Walnut Creek, CA 94598
- Wed and Fri
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sat
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
North BayINPM Vallejo
155 Glen Cove Marina Rd, Suite 100Vallejo, CA 94591
- Mon, Tue and Thu
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Questions
Frequently asked questions
01How is MS diagnosed?
There is no single test for MS. Diagnosis combines your symptoms and exam with MRI, which shows areas of damage in the brain and spinal cord, and sometimes a spinal tap or vision tests.
02Can MS treatment prevent attacks?
Disease-modifying therapies can reduce how often attacks happen, and in some people stop them entirely. Your neurologist chooses a therapy based on your type of MS and your health.
Referral required
Start with a referral from your doctor
New patients are seen by referral. Your primary care physician can fax the referral to (707) 980-6692 or send it through EPIC, and our office will call you to schedule.
- Referral fax (707) 980-6692
- EPIC referral
- We call you to schedule