Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology

Why choose us for neuroimmunology care?

BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine Physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. Comprehensive MS care is provided at the MS Center for Innovations in Care on the Missouri Baptist Medical Center campus and at the John L. Trotter Multiple Sclerosis Center on the Washington University Medical Campus, with MS infusions centers conveniently located across the St. Louis region. Neuroimmunologists treat diseases that affect both the immune system and the nervous system. Evaluating, diagnosing, and managing these conditions requires specialized expertise. When you choose one of our specialists, you have access to neurologists who specialize in these disorders and can help you manage the condition.

We offer:

• Research and clinical trials: Your care is in the hands of physicians who are also expert researchers. We look for new ways to evaluate and treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis. If you’re eligible, you may have access to new treatments through clinical trials.
• Timely appointments: We accept referrals from primary care physicians, other neurologists, attending physicians, and patients themselves for treatment and second opinions. Our centers are able to see you quickly, so you can get the answers and treatment you need fast.
• Access to specialists: Thanks to our wide-reaching health care system, you have access to every subspecialist you may need to manage your care. We work with other neurologists, neurorehabilitation therapists, and more to provide you with comprehensive treatment.

Types of Neuroimmunological Conditions We Treat

Neuroimmunological diseases occur when the immune system attacks part of the nervous system. We treat the full range of these diseases, including:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
• Optic neuritis (ON)
• Transverse myelitis
• Central nervous system vasculitis
• Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)

Multiple Sclerosis Care

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the white matter of the central nervous system (brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is a common disease, striking one in 1,000 people in the U.S. It can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, weakness, vision problems, and paralysis. As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen or expand to other areas of the body.

The past several decades have seen great improvements in MS diagnosis and treatment. Medications can now decrease the number of attacks and slow down their damage. Imaging techniques, such as MRIs, enable much quicker diagnosis—and earlier treatment—in most patients.

MS cannot be cured, but treatments to improve symptoms can be valuable. Our multidisciplinary team can help improve your lifestyle so that you can maximize the use of your healthy body functions. We also continue to research exciting new medications that relieve symptoms and improve nervous system functioning in MS patients.

Treatment options for MS may include:

• MS infusion therapy: BJC has several infusion centers fully dedicated to MS care that allow you to receive treatment alongside others who share the same diagnosis.
• Oral medications: May be used to manage mild and moderate symptoms.
• Self-injected medications: May be used to manage more severe symptoms.
• Physical therapy: BJC offers MS-trained specialists to promote independence and function in your daily activities through a comprehensive care plan specific to your needs.  We stock a variety of assistive devices and adaptive equipment such as a cooling vest to help patients maximize their independence.