Multiple Sclerosis
An autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, causing a wide range of potential symptoms.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the protective sheath covering nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary widely depending on which nerves are affected and the extent of damage. While there is no cure, treatments can help modify the disease course and manage symptoms.
Summarized from public patient education published by the National Institutes of Health, the CDC, and Mayo Clinic. It is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation for you.
The numbers
- ~1 million
- Adults in the United States are living with multiple sclerosis.
- Source: National MS Society
- Ages 20-40
- Most people are diagnosed in early to mid adulthood.
- Source: NINDS (NIH)
- 2-3x
- MS is diagnosed more often in women than in men.
- Source: National MS Society
- Myelin damage
- The immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerve fibers, slowing or blocking signals.
- Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms people describe
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
- Numbness and tingling
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
How it is treated
- Disease-modifying therapies
- Corticosteroids for relapses
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Medications for specific symptoms
Which of these applies to you depends on your history and exam. We review the options with you rather than starting from a protocol.
What care looks like here
A full neurological evaluation by telehealth, alongside the five NEURO lifestyle domains — nutrition, exercise, unwinding stress, restorative sleep, and cognitive engagement — written into one plan you can read.
Before you book, three things to know
- Where we can see you
- Telehealth only, in the eight states where our clinicians hold licensure: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Virginia.
- How payment works
- Out-of-network and cash-pay. We do not participate in Medicare or bill commercial insurance. You receive a superbill to submit yourself, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
- What it costs
- Initial neurological consultation $500. Follow-up visit $250. Comprehensive brain-health assessment $1,500. Prices are published, not quoted.
Who you would see
Clinicians affiliated with Healthopia Institute practice independently. Faculty affiliation means the clinician contributes to the Institute's protocols and education and meets its published standards. It is not a guarantee of outcomes and not an endorsement of individual clinical competence.
If this describes what you are living with, we can start with a conversation.
An initial consultation is a full neurological history and exam by telehealth — $500, cash-pay, in the eight states listed above.