Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Care

Expert MS treatments and diagnoses

World-Class MS Specialists at the Multiple Sclerosis & Demyelinating Disorders Clinic

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), our neurologists provide expert, compassionate care for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). We understand that MS is a complex, lifelong disease and our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

BIDMC is proud to be officially recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) as both a Partner in MS Care and a Center for Comprehensive MS Care. These designations reflect our commitment to delivering the highest quality MS care — bringing together neurologists, nurses, social workers, physical therapists and other specialists to address the full range of medical and lifestyle needs for people with MS.

Understanding MS

MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin. This damage disrupts communication between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body, leading to a variety of symptoms that can change over time.

Our Approach to Care

At BIDMC, you will find:

Personalized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle
Access to advanced therapies and clinical trials reflecting the latest in MS research
Collaborative, multidisciplinary care that brings together experts in neurology, rehabilitation, psychiatry and beyond
A commitment to education and innovation as a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital, where our faculty also lead pioneering research in neuroimmunology

Our mission is simple: to improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for every patient we serve.

MS Signs & Symptoms

MS symptoms vary widely from person to person. You may experience some combination of these or other symptoms:

Challenges with speaking
Changes in vision:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Pain during eye movement
- Partial or total loss of vision in one eye
Fatigue
Mood changes

Numbness or weakness on one side of your body
Problems with bladder, bowel and sexual function
Tingling
Trouble with coordination
Trouble with walking
Vertigo

More About MS Care

Diagnostic Services

There is no specific test for MS. Therefore, diagnostic testing focuses on ruling out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Your doctor may take one or more of these steps to diagnose MS:

Blood work
Evoked potential tests (checks electrical signals produced by your nervous system)
MRI

Physical exam, including asking about your symptoms and medical history
Lumbar puncture (can detect specific antibodies that can be present with MS)

Treatments We Offer

Your MS care team will create your customized treatment plan based on the results of your diagnostic testing, your symptoms and other factors. Your care plan for MS may include these treatments:

Oral or injectable medications, such as:
- Corticosteroids
- Glatiramer acetate
- Daily oral medications (e.g. dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, fingolimod)
- Monoclonal antibodies (e.g. Ofatumumab or Kesimpta)
- Interferon beta medications
- Cladribine

Infusion medications, such as:
- Alemtuzumab
- Natalizumab
- Ublituximab
Neurological rehabilitation and therapy (physical and cognitive)

MS Clinical Trials

BIDMC researchers are constantly searching for new and effective ways to treat MS. Ask your doctor if there’s a current MS clinical trial that may be right for you.

Preparing for Your Appointment

New Patients

Be sure to have previous neurologists fax or send your medical records, including MRI films (CD is preferred), to us before the date of your visit. Please be aware that many insurance plans will require a referral from your primary care physician before you can schedule a visit with an MS specialist at BIDMC. Contact your insurance to learn whether you need to obtain an authorization prior to your visit.

When you arrive for your visit, please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure time to complete paperwork. Please be sure to bring your insurance card and any authorization your insurance has sent you. Visit our billing and financial services section for more details.

Returning Patients

Please be aware that some insurance plans require an authorization from your primary care physician before each visit to an MS specialist. Contact your insurance to learn whether you will need an authorization prior to your visit to the center. Please be sure to bring your insurance card to all visits.

Appointment Cancellation Policy

Please cancel all appointments early as possible so we can offer the appointment to another patient.

Prescription Refills

Please have your pharmacy fax a refill request to 617-667-1869. This is the quickest way to obtain your refill. Be aware that some managed plans are now requiring preauthorization for interferon medications. Please be sure to contact MS Center staff a month before your prescription expires to obtain authorization.

Meet the Team

To provide comprehensive care, we collaborate not only with neurologists but also with urologists, rehabilitation experts, mental health professionals and social workers, ensuring patients and families receive support from every angle.