Services and Treatment
Setting the Standard for Comprehensive MS Care in the Region
The Penn MS program provides consultative
services and ongoing care for more than 3,000 patients
yearly. The program includes eight full-time faculty
members, and specializes in quality, state-of-the-art
clinical care with a personal approach. Patients are
evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team that includes
physicians and highly-trained nurse practitioners
who are experts in symptom management, treatment,
patient education, health-maintenance and general
well-being for patients with MS.
Individualized Clinical Evaluation,
Diagnosis, Treatment and Support
- Neuroradiologists at Penn are developing new MRI
technologies that will enhance the diagnosis of MS
and the assessment of disease activity. Cutting-edge
imaging protocols and techniques, including use of
3-Tesla magnets, have been implemented through
collaborative efforts of Penn’s MS researchers and
radiologists for use in MS trials as well as in clinical care.
- Ancillary testing methods, including evoked potentials,
blood studies, bladder ultrasound, and lumbar puncture
assist MS clinicians in diagnosis and ongoing follow-up.
- Challenging and standard aspects of patient
management are reviewed by the Penn MS faculty
and trainees during case conferences.
- Consultations with rehabilitation medicine, physical
and occupational therapy, urology, neuropsychology,
neuro-ophthalmology, and other services are available
as part of the comprehensive approach to each patient.
- MS-certified nurses and nurse practitioners
provide individualized training and support for
management of symptoms of MS, for self-injection of
immunomodulatory therapies, and for counseling and
coordination of care.
- Support groups organized by MS staff offer
opportunities for patient education.
- A comprehensive MS clinical database facilitates
follow-up and disease monitoring.
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