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The Multiple Sclerosis Center at NNA

Advanced Multiple Sclerosis Care
...Improving the Quality of Life for MS Patients

Our MS Experts || Services || Diagnosing MS
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? || Symptoms of MS
The Course of MS || Treatment of MS
Location || Phone Numbers and Hours

[MS Center - printable brochure] [PDF Help]
[Clinical Research Studies - printable brochure] [PDF Help]

The Multiple Sclerosis Center at NNA was developed to provide comprehensive, innovative and compassionate care, rehabilitation and education to patients and families living with MS.

Our team of specialty-trained physicians, nurses and allied medical staff, along with the newest technologies in diagnostic procedures, allow for a streamlined continuum of care conveniently located in the outpatient setting.

We are now enrolling patients for two MS studies:

Phase III of TRANSFORMS 12-month MS study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FTY720, a novel, investigational, once-daily oral medication

Phase III of FREEDOMS 24-month MS study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FTY720, a novel, investigational, once-daily oral medication

Our MS Experts

Robert A. Lada, MD - Medical Director

Other multiple sclerosis trained neurologists on-site at the NNA MS Center:

Psychological testing and counseling also available on-site by Laura Pennell Samson, PsyD.

Services at the NNA MS Center

Early diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation by our neurologists and health care team.
On-site advanced imaging techology: 1.5T high resolution and open MRI.
Complete neurodiagnostic lab including EMG, EEG, and evoked potential.
Convenient infusion suite for injectibles.
Neuropsychologist on staff for psychological assessments and counseling.
Expertise in the latest medication and treatment options for each stage of the disease.
Approved site for clinical research trials.
Development of treatment plans designed specific to individual needs.
Patient and family education by our medical staff, patient support groups and learning center.
Coordination of physical, occupational and speech therapy programs, as well as social services and disability assistance.

Comprehensive care and education
for patients and families living with MS.

Infusion Suite

Diagnosing MS

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that is not easily diagnosed because of the unpredictability and variety of the symptoms. Our physicians and staff understand the complexities of MS and will establish a diagnosis by performating some or all of the following:

Complete review of the patient's medical history
Neurological examination
MRI
Evoked potentials to confirm whether MS has affected the visual, auditory or sensory pathways
Blood tests

Early diagnosis and preventative treatments can significantly alter the progression of the disease and symptoms.

Open MRI at Akron

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

MS is a chronic, unpredictable and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system.
MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease whereby the body attacks myelin, the sheathing that insulates the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, and creates scars (sclerosis).
The damaged myelin and nerve fibers cause nerve impulses to and from the brain to be distorted or interrupted, causing the symptoms.
MS is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40, more commonly in women.
MS is not considered a fatal disease. Two thirds of people with MS do not become severely disabled and can walk with assistance.
There is currently no known cure for MS, but there are a variety of new treatment options to slow the progression of the disease.

Symptoms of MS

The symptoms of MS depend on the area of the brain or spinal cord affected. They are unpredictable, may come and go, appear in any combination, and be mild to severe. These symptoms may include:

Tingling, numbness or painful sensations
Slurred speech, cognitive changes
Blurred or double vision
Problems with coordination or balance
Muscle weakness, tremor or paralysis
Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction

The Course of MS

The course of MS is unpredictable and varies from person to person. Four basic types of MS have been defined and are based on the level of disability and severity of the attacks. Different treatment options and therapies are available depending on the level of the progression of the disease into these four categories.

Treatment of MS

While there is no cure for MS, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms, control disease progression and minimize disability.
A number of new disease-modifying drugs have been shown to modify the coarse of the disease, but must be initiated early to be most effective.
Medications are also available to control exacerbations, or flare ups of the symptoms.
There are many other therapies to moderate MS symptoms, such as physical, vocational and speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation and complementary and alternative medicine.
The medical management of MS involves an ongoing collaboration between the patient and the health care team, with treatment decisions made on an individual basis.

Location

The MS Center is located at our Akron office across from Children's Hospital at the corners of Exchange, Locust and Cedar.

Phone Numbers and Hours

Tel: 330.376.1902
Fax: 330.376.1599

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Expanding Akron's Only Comprehensive Neuroscience Center...

Neuro-Rehabilitation now available:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Warm water therapy pool
• Speech therapy
• Counseling

Our rehab center is a neuro-specific program for patients living with the effects of stroke, MS, Parkinson's, back and neck disorders, gait problems, etc. Find virtually all of the rehabilitative services you need under one roof.

Neuro-Rehab Center

View our PDF brochures to learn more about the therapy and warm water therapy services available at our Neuro-Rehab Center.

[PDF Help]