Multiple Sclerosis: Partnering with you to manage your MS

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the immune system where the body mistakenly attacks the nerves and their protective coverings. MS is a recurrent condition that can be difficult to predict early on. The severity of symptoms and how the disease progresses is different for everyone.

At UW Health, we know how to diagnose MS early, which can improve your health. We partner with you to manage your care throughout your lifetime. You play a key part in every medical decision about your care.

Our program is designated as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), as well as a recognized Partner in MS Care with this organization.

The symptoms of MS can vary and they might come and go. Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision

• Decreased coordination

• Dizziness

• Extreme fatigue

• Mood disorders

• Muscle weakness, muscle spasms

• Numbness and tingling or pain

• Poor memory or concentration

• Problems with bladder and bowel control

• Sexual functioning problems

• Slurred speech and difficulty with verbal communication

• Tremors

• Walking difficulties 

Diagnosing your condition

MS can be hard to diagnose. Many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions, and they can come and go over time. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50. The condition is more common in women than men.

There are no specific tests that confirm the presence of MS and rule out other related diseases. Doctors make a diagnosis by putting together multiple pieces of a puzzle.

You will need different types of care for MS at different times, but you can expect to live a long life. The treatments you get also depend on the type of MS you are living with.

Your MS care team includes doctors, advanced practice providers, MS nurses, clinical pharmacists and social workers with expertise in treating conditions of the nerves and the nervous system.

We also partner with nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists, urologists, mental health providers, physical medicine and rehabilitation experts and many others to help you live successfully with MS.

The MS program at UW Health is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Comprehensive Care Center. In 2019, we were the only care system in Wisconsin to receive the society’s Excellence in Healthcare Award.

When you come to UW Health for MS care, we surround and connect you and your family with support and value the relationship we develop with you over time You can access additional resources and information from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The doctors and nurses at the UW Health MS clinic, located in the K unit at University Hospital, provide a full range of care for MS patients in Madison.