Neuroimmunology | Multiple Sclerosis

• Dedicated MS clinic recognized as a Comprehensive Care Center by the National MS Society
• Member of the Consortium of MS Centers
• Active participation in research programs to study and develop new ways to diagnose and treat neuroimmune disorders

Our team offers diagnostic services and state-of-the-art treatments for immune and infectious disorders of the nervous system, such as:

• Multiple sclerosis and related leukoencephalopathies
• Clinically isolated syndrome
• Optic neuritis
• Transverse myelitis
• Acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
• Neuromyelitis optica
• CNS vasculitis
• Autoimmune encephalitis

Our neuroimmunology services include:

• Diagnosis
• Medication management
• Symptom management
• Clinical trials
• Newly-diagnosed MS patients clinics
• Multidisciplinary MS clinics
• Pharmacist consultations
• Social work assistance
• Imaging and diagnostics
• Rehabilitation medicine

Research is crucial to advance MS care in Maine and nationally. By participating directly in the scientific efforts that move medicine ahead, we can discover more effective treatments, stop the progression of MS, and one day find a cure. We actively participate in industry-sponsored clinical trials where new medications for MS are tested, such as:

• POP - Plegridy Observational Study
• Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Ocrelizumab in Participants With Early Stage Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
• A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Higher Dose of Ocrelizumab in Adults With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS)
• A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Higher Dose of Ocrelizumab in Adults With Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS

We also support investigator-initiated research where our own providers’ ideas are developed into studies that can benefit patients. For example, a study currently in development will test the potential benefits of martial arts (karate, kung fu, tai-chi) for patients who have MS. Over the past decade, regular exercise has demonstrated results in improving brain plasticity—ability of nerve cells to regenerate—as well as prevent cardiovascular diseases. Consequently multiple sclerosis outcomes can be improved in patients who exercise, as they have less disability progression than those who do not exercise. Our goal is to evaluate if patients with mild to moderate disease are able to go through adapted martial arts activities, and if this activity can improve their balance, strength, mood and general wellbeing.

In collaboration with several other New England MS centers, we are also developing a registry of all MS patients who have encountered COVID-19 infection. This will facilitate research to improve our knowledge about this novel infection in our patients with MS, their outcomes and potentially help to address any concerns regarding use of MS treating drugs in this situation.

Our doctors and specialists provide patients with respectful, attentive care whether their diagnosis is multiple sclerosis, or another autoimmune, inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. Our services include expert evaluation, advanced imaging tools, patient education, research studies and a team approach to MS care and MS treatment.

Having no known cause, and no known cure, multiple sclerosis (MS) can have debilitating and long-lasting effects for patients, their families, and the community as a whole. Usually affecting adults in the prime of their lives, MS is a degenerative autoimmune disease where patients’ bodies attack their nerve surroundings and nerves, disrupting communication between their brain and body. The disease itself strikes without warning and continues to cause unexpected flare-ups, making the unpredictability of this disease even more challenging to treat.

Recent studies estimate that more than 1 million individuals are living with MS in the United States, approximately twice as many women as men. Many of these people suffer from varying and complex symptoms related to the disease including muscle weakness and mobility issues, tingling, numbness, pain, bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and memory and attention issues. Having this chronic, and often disabling disease can also result in depression, financial and insurance struggles, unemployment/work issues, family stressors, transportation challenges, adaptive housing needs, and other serious problems.

We are dedicated to helping MS patients lead quality lives using the best available treatments and today’s advanced diagnostic options. We offer coordinated care with multiple specialists (physiatry, urology, nutrition, PT/OT/ST, social work, pharmacist) and a dedicated MS-certified nurse navigator and nurses.

Like many not-for-profit medical institutions, MaineHealth relies on philanthropic donations to help advance models of care, educate the workforce of the future, and research new cures. We are constantly moving forward with help from community members like you. If you would like to support the Advancing MS Care in Maine Fund, please email development@mainehealth.org or call 207-662-2669.