Welcome to the Texas Neurology Multiple Sclerosis Center, where compassionate care meets cutting-edge expertise. Since 1993, our MS Center has been at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art neurological consultation and care for individuals with multiple sclerosis in North Texas and the surrounding area. Committed to excellence, we go beyond clinical activities, dedicating ourselves to all phases of clinical research for new and potential MS treatments. From first-in-man Phase I trials to Final Phase III studies for FDA review, our center is actively contributing to advancements in MS care.
Dr. Arun K. Nagaraj creates personalized treatment strategies, empowering individuals with MS to navigate their unique journey toward wellness. Discover a comprehensive approach to MS care at Texas Neurology, where we combine groundbreaking research with unwavering support to foster hope and transformation.
Why Choose the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Texas Neurology?
Patients who choose Dr. Arun K. Nagaraj can expect not only expert medical care but also a compassionate and supportive partnership on their journey with MS. His comprehensive approach, coupled with a focus on the latest advancements, ensures that individuals receive the highest standard of care in their pursuit of wellness. Dr. Nagaraj stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of MS, offering a blend of experience, empathy, and dedication that sets him apart in the realm of neurological care.
We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of medical advancements. By choosing our clinic, you gain access to the latest and most effective treatments available for multiple sclerosis.
Our clinic provides thorough and comprehensive evaluations for multiple sclerosis. This ensures accurate diagnoses and allows for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
We prioritize the well-being of our patients and their families. Our approach is compassionate, ensuring a supportive environment throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.
Early intervention in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) leads to better disease management through timely initiation of therapies, reducing relapse rates and preserving neurological function. By addressing symptoms promptly, individuals experience improved quality of life, and the potential for customized treatment plans enhances overall effectiveness, delaying disability progression and contributing to long-term well-being.
Texas Neurology's Multiple Sclerosis Center emphasizes a collaborative approach to care. Our team works closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive and integrated treatment strategy.
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, providing a conducive environment for accurate diagnoses, advanced treatments, and ongoing support.
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Texas Neurology offers individualized treatment plans to ensure you receive the care that's right for you.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative human disease caused by autoimmune destruction of myelin and associated tissue damage within the central nervous system. Globally, MS affects approximately 2.5 million people, with the United States experiencing it as the most common cause of non-traumatic, long-term neurological disability in young adults, impacting at least 400,000 individuals. Despite its worldwide presence, regional variability is observed, influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Typically emerging in young adults and affecting women more frequently, MS manifests in several clinically recognized subtypes, including relapsing-remitting (RRMS), primary progressive (PPMS), secondary progressive (SPMS), and progressive-relapsing (PRMS) forms.
Over time, untreated RRMS often progresses to SPMS, representing 85% of the entire MS population. PPMS, affecting around 10% of individuals with MS, lacks relapses and remissions, while PRMS, affecting about 5%, is progressive from the onset punctuated with relapses. The natural course of MS involves subclinical disease activity detected through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, with 80-90% of new MRI events not causing clinical symptoms. These MRI events, highlighted by gadolinium-enhanced imaging, signify areas of inflammation that, after subsiding, leave behind scar tissue, giving rise to the term "multiple sclerosis."
Clinical relapses in MS can lead to various symptoms reflecting damage in the brain and spinal cord, such as sensory disturbances, limb weakness, vision or speech changes, balance issues, and cognitive problems. As inflammatory events accumulate, both clinically and on MRI, the extent of disease progresses. Simultaneously, brain tissue loss begins early in untreated individuals, contributing to irreversible physical and cognitive disabilities. After ten years, approximately 50% of untreated RRMS individuals transition to SPMS, leading to gradual worsening of MS and the need for walking aids in half of untreated cases after 15-20 years. Early treatment aims to prevent the accumulation of brain and spinal cord damage, mitigating the disabling features of MS.
Detecting Early Signs of MS
Detecting early signs of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is crucial for timely intervention and management. While symptoms can vary, here are some common early signs that may indicate the presence of MS.
It's important to note that these symptoms can be caused by various conditions, and experiencing one or more of them does not necessarily indicate MS. However, if individuals notice persistent or worsening symptoms, especially those affecting multiple areas of the body, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Blurred or double vision, eye pain, and difficulties with focus or coordination of eye movements may be early indicators.
Unexplained and persistent fatigue, often unrelated to physical exertion, can be a common early symptom of MS.
Sensations of numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" feeling in various parts of the body, especially the extremities, may occur.
Weakness in the limbs, difficulty walking, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs can be early signs of MS.
Problems with balance, coordination, and an increased likelihood of stumbling or clumsiness may be observed.
Episodes of dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo may occur, affecting daily activities.
Issues with memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions may be early signs, although these are often more subtle and may not be immediately recognized.
Individuals with MS may experience pain, often described as burning or aching, and muscle spasticity.
Problems with bladder control, such as urgency or difficulty emptying the bladder, and bowel dysfunction may manifest.
Mood swings, depression, or anxiety can be associated with MS, and changes in emotional well-being may occur.
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Empower your journey against multiple sclerosis. Take the first step towards a brighter future by connecting with the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Texas Neurology. Our team is here to support you on the path to a life without boundaries.