Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

More than 400,000 Americans suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and many others don't even know that they have it. To assist MS patients in improving their lives, the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Brain and Spine Institute opened its Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in the Cole Neuroscience Center. The clinic is headed by neurologist Dr. Randy Trudell and provides comprehensive evaluations, treatment and management of MS. “I am excited about this opportunity to help so many people by participating in UT Medical Center’s new multidisciplinary MS clinic,” Trudell said. “The clinic is designed to help patients with MS improve current functional limitation, as well as work to prevent future problems and flare ups.”

MS is a progressive autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. MS is caused when the body’s own immune system begins attacking the nervous system, which begins to break down the myelin, the protective material that surrounds nerve cells that protects nerves and helps transmit signals throughout the body.

MS usually is diagnosed in people aged 20 to 50 with women being affected two to three times more often as men. Individuals with a family history of MS or are Caucasian are more likely to develop MS. The direct cause of MS is unknown, but researchers believe that the environment plays a role, citing that people who live in colder climates tend to develop MS more frequently.

The only way a diagnosis can be made is by ruling out other conditions. You may need to undergo a complete medical history, nervous system function tests and diagnostic tests such as MRI.

There is no known cure for MS, but research shows that treatment can help slow the progression of MS, especially if it is started early on. The goal of MS treatments is to control the symptoms and maintain a better quality of life. Treatment may include various medications, immune modulators, steroids and various therapies such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and support groups.

"We are thrilled to expand the services offered at the Cole Neuroscience Center," said Ann Giffin, vice president of the Brain and Spine Institute at UT Medical Center. "This center is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with neurological disorders. The addition of the MS Clinic is a natural fit."

Call your doctor if you develop any MS symptoms because he is the only one that can distinguish MS from other serious disorders such as stroke.

For more information about the MS Clinic, call 865.305.6740.