Cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic progressive autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, are on the rise in the United States, impacting nearly 1 million people nationwide – with the number of cases nearly quadrupling between 1994 and 2017, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).
Improved diagnostic techniques and increased public awareness have contributed to the rise in diagnoses. Risk factors for the condition can include having a first-degree relative with MS or another autoimmune disease as well as vitamin D deficiency and lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and obesity.
White Plains Hospital is the only healthcare organization in Westchester to have a Multiple Sclerosis Center designated as a Partner in MS Care Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This MS Center offers a variety of services for the diagnosis, treatment and support necessary for living a fulfilling life with MS. Two of its neurologists, Dr. Ute Traugott, Director of White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Center, and Dr. Samantha Epstein, recently sat down to provide information about the Hospital’s approach to the disease.
What are some of the common symptoms of MS, and how is it diagnosed?
Dr. Epstein: In patients with MS, the immune system attacks and damages the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. That damage can result in a variety of symptoms, most notably weakness, numbness and tingling, vision problems, fatigue and difficulties with coordination and balance.
Every MS patient’s journey is different, since symptoms and the disease can vary greatly and are unpredictable, making it a complex condition to manage. There is no single diagnostic test; instead, MS is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, neurologic examination, ophthalmologic examination, imaging (MRI), blood tests and, if necessary, evaluation of spinal fluid.
What are some of the latest advancements in treating the disease?
Dr. Traugott: All currently available FDA-approved disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS are focused on interfering with the migration of activated immune cells from the blood into the central nervous system. This can be achieved by reducing the number of white blood cells through the use of medications that prevent them from multiplying, trapping them in lymph nodes, or by destroying some with the help of monoclonal antibodies. These treatments slow down the progression of the disease and decrease disability.
New therapies that reduce the more widespread inflammation within the central nervous system are expected to become available in the coming year. Several additional medications are currently in clinical trials, one of them focusing on repairing the damage to the myelin, the sheath that forms around the nerves, caused by the disease.
What should a patient look for in an MS center?
Dr. Epstein: Look for neurologists with expertise in diseases affecting the central nervous system who are experienced navigating the complexities of the disease and the ever-growing array of therapies. Additionally, it is important to have access to diagnostic techniques like high-resolution MRI, an infusion center, and the support staff required to help patients through their MS journey.
Dr. Traugott: Certification by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is very important, as it assures patients that there is a highly-qualified group of specialists forming a treatment team to provide the necessary comprehensive care. The team usually includes rehabilitation specialists, occupational and speech therapists, urologists, radiologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, neurophysiologists and more.
What are some of the other benefits MS patients can access at White Plains Hospital?
Dr. Traugott: I have more than 30 years of experience in treating MS patients. I am a founding member of the Neuroimmunological Society and have received awards for my contributions to the MS field by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and by the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Epstein, who recently joined us, also has a lot of experience in the care of those patients. Our MS-certified RN, Taylor Maloney, provides valuable advice to our patients and can answer many questions they may have. Tammy Schoenfarber, our social worker, is available for counseling newly-diagnosed patients as well as for those who face some challenges later on.
We work closely with Burke Rehabilitation Center and White Plains Hospital’s outpatient physical therapy practices for many of our patients’ rehab needs. We can also refer patients to physicians or other specialists at the Hospital, and to our infusion center.
Dr. Ute Traugott is a specialist in Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology and the Director of White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Center. To make an appointment, call 914-681-1126.
Dr. Samantha Epstein is a board-certified neurologist whose specialties include Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology. Dr. Epstein sees patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk and WPHPA in Harrison. To make an appointment, call 914-849-5300.