MS Living Well: Key Info from Multiple Sclerosis Experts
Barry Singer, MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, interviews global expert guests about the latest treatments, innovations and tips for people living with multiple sclerosis.
Episodes
Caregiving in MS
When multiple sclerosis enters a family, it doesn't just change the life of the person diagnosed. It reshapes the daily routines, roles, and futures of the people who love them. A spouse steps into new responsibilities, a child learns to help in ways their peers never will, and an entire household begins to adapt. These changes occur quietly, and often without recognition. Caregiving is one of the
Maintaining Employment with MS and Applying for Disability
Employment is about more than a paycheck. It can provide purpose, community, and independence. But MS symptoms like fatigue, cognitive changes, and mobility issues often raise difficult questions about whether to stay in a current job, request accommodations, or eventually consider disability benefits. In this episode of MS Living Well, we hear from two experts who help people navigate these compl
Beyond White Spots: Rethinking MRI in MS
MRI scans can reveal far more than just "white spots." New imaging techniques are uncovering hidden inflammation, silent disease activity, and smoldering lesions that may continue damaging the brain even when someone feels stable and routine MRI scans appear unchanged. This episode explores how MRI is evolving from a diagnostic tool into a window into the underlying biology of multiple sclerosis.
Handling MS: Word-Finding and Memory Strategies
Cognitive changes are a common part of living with multiple sclerosis, but they can be confusing and frustrating. Many people feel like their memory is slipping, when in reality, the challenge is often with accessing information—especially in the moment. Forgetting why you walked into a room or struggling to find the right word in conversation are very real experiences in MS, and they're more abo
The Science of MS Supplements
Many people living with multiple sclerosis are interested in whether vitamins, supplements, or nutrition can play a supportive role in long-term brain and immune health. Two areas that have received growing research attention are alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid found in foods like flaxseed and walnuts, and vitamin D, a hormone-like nutrient involved in immune regulation that
Reengineering Hope: CAR-T Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
CAR-T therapy, short for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is already transforming treatment for blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia and is now being tested in early trials for multiple sclerosis. In this approach, a person's own T cells (or sometimes donor T cells) are collected and reengineered in the lab with a special "chimeric" receptor on their surface. Once infused back into th
Repairing MS: The Quest to Rebuild Myelin
The quest to repair the damage caused by multiple sclerosis is gaining momentum, with scientists working to restore lost function and slow progression by rebuilding myelin—the protective coating of nerve cells. Within the brain and spinal cord, immature myelin-making cells called OPCs hold promise, but need the right signals to mature into oligodendrocytes and repair MS lesions. Researchers are al
Parenting with MS: Finding Strength, Joy, and Resilience
Parenting can be both a beautiful adventure and a demanding test. For those living with multiple sclerosis, the joys of raising children often come with added challenges—fatigue, changes in routine, and questions about how MS may affect family life. Despite these obstacles, many parents with MS find that their journey brings deeper meaning, resilience, and joy. In this podcast episode, we'll explo
Repair, Reset, Reimagine: Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
Stem cells have the extraordinary ability to transform into different types of cells and renew themselves—offering new hope in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. One of the most advanced approaches—autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT)—involves collecting a patient's own bone marrow stem cells, using chemotherapy to wipe out their faulty immune system, and then reinfusing th
Beyond the Prescription Pad: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for MS
Most people living with multiple sclerosis explore complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their care. Complementary therapies—such as supplements, special diets, or mind-body practices—are used alongside disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), while alternative therapies are chosen instead of them. In this episode, we dive into commonly used CAM approaches, including anti-inflammatory
Boosting Brain Health: Blueprint for MS
Living with multiple sclerosis brings unique challenges to brain health, but there are powerful steps you can take to support and protect your mind. Exercise not only improves endurance and reduces fatigue, but also helps rewire brain networks to promote resilience. Restorative sleep is essential, as it helps clear inflammation in the brain—so addressing disrupted sleep is a must. Nourish yoursel
Secondary Progressive MS: Next Chapter
Figuring out if your multiple sclerosis is changing from the relapsing remitting to the secondary progressive stage can be murky. Signs of progression are discussed like slower walking and worsening memory. The underlying reasons for progression are revealed including nervous system injury, remyelination failure, chronic inflammation and aging. Practical ways to improve progressive symptoms are sh
Mind Over MS: Strategies for Staying Positive
Facing the first symptoms and a new multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be terrifying, leaving you with a flood of questions about your future. How do you navigate your career, relationships, and whether to start a family? The uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go it alone. Support from loved ones and connections with others living with MS can help light the way. As MS progresses,
Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis
In this era of highly effective treatments, early intervention for multiple sclerosis can be life changing. However, the wide range of initial symptoms often leads to many people being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving them without the proper care for years. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss the early signs of MS and the key tests, such as specific MRI and spinal fluid results, that are cr
MS & The Spinal Cord
The spinal cord serves as the main communication highway between the brain and body. Did you know that 80% of people with multiple sclerosis have spinal cord lesions on MRI? These lesions can disrupt specific neural pathways, leading to common MS symptoms like numbness, weakness, impaired coordination, balance issues, bladder problems, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. For instance, damage to
Uncommon Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Awareness of the more uncommon multiple sclerosis symptoms can lead to an earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment. For instance, experiencing electrical shock sensations when bending the neck forward, known as Lhermitte's sign, may indicate an attack on the cervical spinal cord. Likewise, excruciating bolts of pain across either side of the face, called trigeminal neuralgia, can be caused by a
Harnessing AI: Transforming MS Care
Prepare to be intrigued by the groundbreaking intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and multiple sclerosis care! By combing through extensive databases, including genetic information and real patient records, AI can forecast with remarkable accuracy the likelihood of MS onset. In the near future, AI could even serve as a guiding light for clinicians and MS patients in selecting the most sui
Navigating MS with Other Medical Conditions
Living with multiple sclerosis isn't just about managing the condition itself, but often involves navigating a myriad of additional health concerns known as comorbidities. Individuals with MS face a higher risk of experiencing new relapses when dealing with comorbidities like high cholesterol or depression. Furthermore, autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases like Cro
Hormones and Multiple Sclerosis
Sex hormones, such as estrogens and testosterone, affect each individual's journey living with multiple sclerosis. While both genders face equal MS risk before puberty and after menopause, women experience up to three times higher risk during their reproductive years. Pregnancy generally brings less relapses, potentially attributed to high estriol levels. However, navigating treatment decisions we
Revolutionizing Multiple Sclerosis Care: B-Cell Therapy
In a paradigm-shifting discovery, researchers uncovered that B cells, not T cells, wield significant influence on orchestrating neurological damage in MS. Join UCSF Professor Dr. Stephen Hauser as he shares the remarkable odyssey from hurdles to triumphs of developing B cell monoclonal antibody treatment for multiple sclerosis. Disease impact, safety concerns and personalization of MS treatment o
Recipe for Resilience: The Blind Cook and NMOSD
Christine Ha, an award-winning blind chef and restauranteur, shares her experience grappling with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Facing relapses with the inability to walk and feed herself that challenged her independence, she leaned on the support from family and friends. As she lost her sight due to optic neuritis in both eyes, Ms. Ha had to embark on a journey of rediscovery in
Making Strides: Enhancing MS Mobility
Wherever you are on your multiple sclerosis journey, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of mobility. Our experts, both holding doctorates in physical therapy, offer invaluable guidance on enhancing your walking abilities through targeted exercise and specialized therapy. Learn how to reduce the risk of falls, alleviate spasticity, and build endurance for a more active life. C
MS Care Equity: Empowering Underserved Communities
Health equity represents the pursuit of the highest level of well-being for all individuals, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, enjoys a fair and just opportunity to achieve their optimal health. Disparities exist within the multiple sclerosis community. It's a stark reality that Black individuals with MS face an increased risk of disability, while Black women are dispropo
Bridging MS: Connecting You to Resources
Navigating life with multiple sclerosis? Gain valuable insights from MS insiders! Stanford nurse practitioner Jong-Mi Lee reveals strategies for accessing MS centers and maximizing available resources. Acquire valuable tips on various topics including overcoming mobility challenges, managing workplace issues, and receiving quality care despite insurance obstacles. Many inspiring and resilient indi
MRI in MS: From Pixels to Progress
Step into the powerful realm of MRI imaging, providing us with an unparalleled view of multiple sclerosis. Discover how acute inflammation becomes vivid with contrast, and how various MRI sequences unveil the past battles fought within your brain and spinal cord. We'll explore advances in techniques, revealing brain shrinkage, gray matter disease and myelin repair. Understand the impact of MS on b
Inside MS: Navigating Inflammation
Dive into a deeper understanding of the role of inflammation in causing injury to the brain and spinal cord in multiple sclerosis. It's a journey marked by ups and downs, where the adaptive immune system composed of lymphocytes (T and B cells) attack myelin and the innate immune system clears damaged myelin. An immune cell called microglia can create smoldering inflammation in MS that poses a thre
Multiple Sclerosis in Childhood
Yes, children can get multiple sclerosis. Children ages 12 and up are more typically affected and rarely before age 8. Awareness is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment of pediatric-onset MS (POMS). Accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in children requires screening for other conditions like MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). Risk factors associated with higher rates of developin
Being Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
Trying to confirm if you have multiple sclerosis can be a frustrating process. Dealing with a new diagnosis a MS can be overwhelming. Julian Gamboa and Dr. Jakai Nolan shed light on a positive path forward living with multiple sclerosis. Julian Gamboa shares his first symptoms of multiple sclerosis including spinning sensation and double vision. He had substantial obstacles and setbacks in being d
Earliest Stages of Multiple Sclerosis
Years before the first typical neurological symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as numbness or visual loss, individuals can have other symptoms that are often overlooked. This period of time is called the MS prodrome. During the prodrome phase, there is an increase in symptoms including skin, gastrointestinal and psychiatric issues. Research may lead to earlier detection of MS. Sometimes brain spo
Is My MS Controlled?
Knowing which MS changes are significant enough to warrant speaking up can be hard. Relapses can occur every 1-2 years without treatment, but much less frequently on disease-modifying treatment. Distinguishing between an actual relapse, a pseudorelapse or just brief worsening of symptoms (Uhthoff's phenomenon) explained. Options for relapses such as steroids, plasmapheresis and ACTH are reviewed.
Personalized Medicine for MS
With over 20 options, what is the best multiple sclerosis treatment for me? Selecting an appropriate disease-modifying therapy (DMT) needs to consider your risk of worsening disability over time. Your age, sex and race can affect your prognosis and can influence the power of treatment chosen. Details about your early relapses and MRI activity are very important for treatment decisions. Treatment s
Digital Health & MS
Digital technology has transformed our lives. For people living with multiple sclerosis, electronic health opens a new world. Biosensors in our smartphones and wearable devices can monitor physical activity levels and sleep and may detect MS disease changes faster than that next neurologist appointment. New apps can help people with MS manage and track their disease including gaming to assess cogn
Vision & Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis frequently causes visual impairment. 70% of people living with the disease can develop optic neuritis at some point and often the first sign of MS. The symptoms, medical evaluation, treatment and prognosis of optic neuritis are conveyed. Besides multiple sclerosis, other causes are discussed including MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and neuromyelitis (NMO). Double vision
Multiple Sclerosis Biomarkers including Blood Tests
Rapid recent advancements have led to blood tests (biomarkers) to track multiple sclerosis disease activity. A biomarker is something that can be measured to check normal functioning or the impact of a disease. Blood biomarkers are common in medicine to measure response to therapy such as measuring hemoglobin A1c levels for diabetic control and cholesterol levels for high cholesterol treatment. In
Aging and Multiple Sclerosis
Our immune systems become less robust as we age. With an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, a weakened immune system can lead to less relapses and active MRI lesions. However, many people living with multiple sclerosis develop progressive disease with worsening physical and cognitive disability as they age. Strategies to live better with MS as one grows older are shared. The vast major
Diet & Multiple Sclerosis
Trying to figure out the ideal diet for multiple sclerosis? Two of the leading experts on diet and multiple sclerosis share our current understanding based on the latest research. Diets reviewed include intermittent fasting, Swank diet, Wahls protocol and Mediterranean diet. The role of the gut organisms, called the microbiome, on immune health explained. In-depth information highlights how cert
Multiple Sclerosis: Cause & Cure
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes multiple sclerosis based on a new monumental study in young adults serving on active duty in the US military. The study found that the risk of developing MS increased 32-fold after infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. EBV causes infectious mononucleosis, spreads through saliva and infects B immune cells. Alberto Ascherio MD DrPH shares his group's recent find
Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials
Interested in improving MS care? Participating in a clinical trial may have personal advantages and help others in the future. Trial design discussed including whether or not a placebo (no treatment) will be used. Criteria needed to enroll in a clinical study called inclusion and exclusion criteria explained. Key elements of clinical trials outlined including multiple safety measures and informed
Future Look: From Diagnosis to Tracking Multiple Sclerosis
Cutting-edge research is revolutionizing how multiple sclerosis is diagnosed and monitored. The central vein sign on MRI may soon be a key way of confirming if someone has multiple sclerosis versus other conditions such as migraine, vasculitis, neurosarcoidosis and blockage of small blood vessels (from age, smoking and hypertension). Early clues on MRI imaging are shared in people with evidence of
Wellness & Multiple Sclerosis
Wellness is a proactive approach to living with multiple sclerosis. Wellness complements routine neurological care, which is often reactive to new relapses, symptoms and disease progression. Nutrition reviewed including diets such as intermittent fasting, paleo and Wahls Protocol. Great physical health relies on keeping up with routine cancer screenings and vaccinations. Options for protecting cog
Anxiety, Depression & Multiple Sclerosis
Struggling with anxiety or depression? Over half of people living with multiple sclerosis can experience depression and up to 40% have anxiety. Both psychological and physical symptoms that people with MS experience are explained. Causes for these mood disorders are discussed including immune inflammation in the brain, adaptation to having a chronic disease and medication side effects such as inte
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Progressive multiple sclerosis can be a worrisome diagnosis, filled with questions about one's personal future including independence. In this podcast, Mark Webb shares his personal story of transition to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis with incredible resiliency, brilliant humor and tenacious optimism. He explains how MS has affected his career from Euro Disney to Head of Communications
Multiple Sclerosis Numbness & Pain: Relief Options
People living with multiple sclerosis often experience chronic numbness, burning, tingling and pins-and-needles sensations. In a recent study, 70% of people with MS reported numbness and tingling, and 55% reported pain associated with relapses. MS neurologists explain typical symptoms for brain and spinal cord MS attacks compared to a pinched nerve in the back (like sciatica) or neuropathy. Lhermi
Multiple Sclerosis & Vaccines including COVID-19
At this recording, the COVID-19 pandemic is raging with nearly 100 million people affected and over 2.1 million dead. Recently available COVID-19 vaccines are providing some much needed hope. Vaccinations have been extremely effective in saving people from fatal diseases but many people living with multiple sclerosis have questions about whether COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for them.
Taking Charge of Multiple Sclerosis
Being diagnosed and living with multiple sclerosis is often overwhelming. Your MS journey might be challenging, frustrating and depressing at times. On the bright side, superb MS care is available. This podcast lays out ways that you can take charge of MS and get the care you deserve. Topics include finding the right neurologist for you and how to get reliable MS information. Improve your communic
Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue
Struggling with MS fatigue? You aren't alone. Approximately 90% of people living with multiple sclerosis deal with fatigue. An overwhelming sense of tiredness can be disruptive at work and take away from your family time and social life. This podcast dives into the different causes of MS fatigue, including disease impact on nervous system, medications and poor sleep. Approaches to improve both men
Sex & Multiple Sclerosis
Warning: ADULT CONTENT for 18 Years of age or older. Sexual health is an important part of quality of life for many people. Multiple sclerosis can cause new challenges and disrupt sexual relationships. Positioning options, including pillows and slings, are reviewed that can help overcome weakness and stiffness of legs. Factors that can reduce a woman's libido, or sexual drive, are addressed such
Bladder Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis
Trouble with your bladder? Most people with multiple sclerosis have bladder issues. Penelope shares her personal bladder challenges with urgency, trouble emptying her bladder and use of catheters. Rather than being embarrassed, Penelope gives advice on when to speak up to get needed medical care and how to cope (laughter helps). Dr. Travis Bullock explains what happens to the bladder in MS, treatm
Cognition and Multiple Sclerosis
This podcast explores cognitive issues in multiple sclerosis. Caroline Craven aka The Girl With MS shares the impact of MS on her short-term memory, word-finding ability and multitasking skills. She talks about the role of stress, sleep and mood have on her cognition. Caroline reviews how she copes with these changes partially through diet, exercise and good sleep. Abbey Hughes PhD, a rehabilitati
The Virtual Appointment: Telemedicine and Multiple Sclerosis
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, telemedicine has rapidly become the new standard for patients to communicate with their neurologists. Video conferences on smartphones, tablets, and laptops have… for now at least… replaced almost all appointments that used to be done in person. Dr. Stephen Krieger from New York City and Dr. Annette Okai from Dallas discuss their early insights to advantages
COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, neurologists from multiple sclerosis centers from Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy share their experiences on the front lines. These MS specialists share how they are supporting and advising patients during this crisis. Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center interviews: Giovanna Borriello, MD, M
Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis experts share valuable information about pregnancy and multiple sclerosis. The podcast covers pregnancy planning for a healthy baby while minimizing risk of multiple sclerosis disease activity. Topics of unplanned pregnancies, birth control and role of high-risk obstetricians addressed. Infertility and the role of in vitro fertilization in woman with MS covered. Genetic risks to
Inside Angle: Partnering with your Neurologist
Multiple sclerosis experts share advice on how to substantially improve your care when interacting with your neurologist. Key insights to develop trust and understanding with your doctor reviewed. Compelling info to help you advocate and communicate your goals and needs. Specific ways to make the most of your appointments addressed. Difficult questions are tackled such as progressive disease and l
Cannabis & Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis often causes nerve pain with burning and pins-needles sensations, and spasticity associated with muscle tightness and cramping. The specific role of medical marijuana components including THC and CBD in MS in alleviating these MS symptoms addressed. Information regarding which MS patients are more likely to benefit from cannabis are reviewed in depth. Risks and concerns of canna
Country Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Improving Rural Care
Country living far from large cities has wonderful advantages, but can present some unique challenges to receive optimal multiple sclerosis care. This podcast addresses when it's time to drive to see a MS specialist. MS experts share their wisdom on various strategies to access the most current treatments while still enjoying life in countryside from the plains to the mountains. Creative ways of c
Remyelination: Repairing Multiple Sclerosis
Myelin is the coating on the nerve cells (neurons) of the nervous system that allows messages to travel rapidly in our body. Myelin wrapped around the neurons also keeps neurons healthy. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin disrupting electrical signals and making neurons vulnerable to chronic damage. Remyelination is the strategy to recoat the nerves with new myelin. Myelin-mak
Winning Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: Don't Underestimate the Disease
Treatment approaches to multiple sclerosis continue to change. Over the past quarter of a century, MS went from an untreatable disease to a disease responsive to a broad array of oral, intravenous and self-injected medications. Greater long-term disease control is now possible for more people living with MS. However, undertreatment can result in significant physical disability including imbalance,
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