Chronic conditions present unique challenges at every stage of life and impact each person differently. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neuroinflammatory disorders are no exception. When you come to the Penn MS & Related Disorders Center, your care team includes neurologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, a social worker, pharmacists, and a research team.
Specialists at the Penn MS and Related Disorders Center realize that no two patients are alike. While many of our patients have MS, others may have a related condition that shares some features of MS. Some are diagnosed in their 20s; others experience symptoms earlier or later. Many women will also go through pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause while managing MS.
To address each person holistically, the Penn MS Center offers several support programs and resources to our patients, which are led by world-class clinicians.
Dedicated Pharmacists for MS Patients
Our patients receive access to a dedicated pharmacist who is available to provide medication guidance, answer medication questions, and counsel new patients.
Dedicated Social Worker for MS Patients
You will receive access to a dedicated social worker who can help you and your family navigate the psychosocial complexities of neuroinflammatory conditions.
MS Rehabilitation
Penn's specialists take a holistic approach to caring for people with MS. Maximizing a person's function and quality of life is just as important as treating the neurological condition.
Rehabilitative support includes:
- Exercise programs
- Energy management
- Nutrition programs
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
MS Education and Support
The Penn MS and Related Disorders Center emphasizes the care of the whole person. That's why we offer ongoing education and psychosocial support.
Penn doctors, nurses, social worker, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers lead monthly patient educational programs, wellness programs and support groups (virtually, when necessary). These meetings help patients and caregivers learn, support, and network with each other. Topics include:
- MS treatments
- Exercise
- Physical therapy
- Mindfulness
- Managing work and family while living with MS
As national experts, Penn's specialists also educate other healthcare providers. Our neurologists host accredited symposia on MS and Related Disorders and Women's Issues in Neurology and MS. Part of our mission is to better equip doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers, and mental health professionals to treat this rapidly-evolving condition.
NMO and MOG-Antibody Associated Disease Program
NMO and MOG-antibody associated disease are inflammatory, demyelinating central nervous system disorders that are related to MS but require a specialized treatment approach. The Penn MS and Related Disorders Center provides the latest, cutting-edge care and research for people living with NMO and MOG disorders.
Undiagnosed White Matter Disorders Adult Neurogenetics Clinic
White matter disease is the deterioration of brain tissue, which impacts the nerves. In collaboration with the multi-site Leukodystrophy Program at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, the Penn MS and Related Disorders Center offers a unique clinic to provide care for people with white matter disorders that have not received a diagnosis previously.
Our multidisciplinary team, which includes a genetic counselor and social worker, draws upon the latest advances in neurogenetics to successfully diagnose people with unexplained white matter disorders. We then work to support patients as they navigate the complexities of this challenging diagnosis.
Age-Span Women's MS Program
Multiple sclerosis may impact certain aspects of health, including:
- Family planning
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Bladder and sexual dysfunction
- Menopause
What's more, young people who work and raise a family may have trouble balancing neurologic care alongside primary and gynecologic care.
Penn's Age-Span Women's MS Program addresses these unique challenges by providing comprehensive care – through every season of life. We provide screenings, specialized care for pregnancy and menopause, and ongoing education and support.
Pregnancy, Family-Planning and MS
Family planning and pregnancy require special planning for those with MS and related disorders. Our neurologists partner with Penn gynecologic specialists to determine the best form of birth control for you.
When it comes to starting your family, a personalized approach can help you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Thanks to advancements in research and treatments, MS does not automatically make pregnancy high-risk – but there are factors to address before becoming pregnant.
If you have MS or a related disorder and want to begin your family, we'll discuss:
- Your current level of MS activity
- Medications you should and should not continue to take
- Options for delivery and anesthesia
- Options for breastfeeding
Menopause and MS
Menopause is another phase of life that may impact MS. Although research is ongoing and menopause affects each person differently, it may worsen some MS symptoms. An increase in body temperature (hot flashes) may result in the return of prior MS symptoms. Previously controlled MS symptoms such as blurred vision can temporarily worsen during a hot flash.
Our neurologists regularly treat women in menopause who also have neuroinflammatory conditions such as MS. If this specialized care is not offered in your community, our Age-Span Women's MS Program can help.
MS Transition of Care Program
Children with MS and related conditions need specialized care. A child's brain hasn't finished laying down the myelin, the protective shield around the "wires" of the nervous system. MS may impact this process, affecting the brain before it's fully developed. This can lead to cognitive problems, difficulties in school, problems with judgment and decision-making, and more.
This is why appropriate care and support is so crucial for children living with MS. It's equally important to provide appropriate treatment after a patient ages out of pediatric care.
Our partners at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) provide world-class care for children with MS and related conditions, including NMO and MOG. When it's time for a young person to transition to adult care, our team is ready to welcome them to Penn Medicine. Specialists in our Transition of Care Program offer the warm, holistic care they received at CHOP. Here, young adults are guided toward taking charge of their MS care.
Penn specialists regularly meet with colleagues at CHOP to discuss patient cases, and certain providers work at both institutions. This helps us provide the most seamless transition, ensuring every patient has what they need, when they need it.
Screenings
Especially crucial for our younger patients, the Transition of Care Program offers screenings to help our specialists address:
- Psychosocial support
- Depression and mood disorders
- Sexuality and contraception
Screenings and one-on-one conversations help our specialists connect you or your child to the right resources at Penn Medicine or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Transition Criteria
There is no exact age by which a patient must transition from CHOP to Penn. This is a personal decision made by the patient and their guardians, in consultation with specialists at CHOP and Penn.
The most important consideration is avoiding lapses in medication and ensuring the patient is ready to continue receiving care from a new treatment team.
When a patient transitions from CHOP to Penn, several factors are considered:
- Symptoms: Is their MS under control?
- Mindset: Is the patient ready to make a change in their care team?
- Knowledge: Does the patient understand their disease and its treatments?
- Other circumstances: Is the patient pregnant? Do they need a treatment that is available only at Penn?
Your Penn Medicine MS Transition of Care Team
Once the decision has been made for a patient to transition care to Penn Medicine, you will be connected with a Penn nurse navigator and social worker. The navigator and social worker serve as your points of contact. Their role is to help set up appointments, address insurance concerns, and connect you to the full spectrum of resources at Penn.
During and after the transition, you will have access to Penn Medicine:
- Neurologists
- Nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse navigators
- Pharmacists
- Social workers