Multiple Sclerosis
MS Care at Valley
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease where the immune system, which normally fights infection, attacks the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves instead. Even more specifically, it attacks a substance called myelin, which is an electrical sheathing around nerve cells that help nerve cells conduct signals.
MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.
The cause of MS is unknown and there is no cure, but there are things patients with MS can do to help change the course of the disease, treat flare-ups, manage symptoms and improve function and mobility.
At Valley, we're fortunate to have an MS fellowship-trained neurologist, Sargon Bet-Shlimon, MD, on our neurology team. Dr. Bet-Shlimon supports patients through ongoing management and treatment of MS symptoms. In addition to his specialized MS training, Dr. Bet-Shlimon is a board-certified neurologist who specializes in neuroimmunology.
DocTalks
In this video, Dr. Bet-Shlimon answers the following questions at the noted times:
- (0:17) What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
- (1:01) What causes MS?
- (1:20) What are the signs and symptoms of MS?
- (2:37) How do you diagnose MS?
- (3:22) How is MS treated? Is there a cure?
- (3:55) I've heard MS is more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, why is that?
- (4:43) If someone has MS, how will it impact their life?
- (5:23) What is an MS flare? How long does it last?
- (6:55) What lifestyle changes should you make if you're diagnosed with MS?
- (8:34) If your friend or family member has MS, how can you support them?
In this video, Dr. Bet-Shlimon answers the following questions:
- [0:24] What diet should follow if you have MS?
- [1:55] What kind of exercise should you do if you have MS?
- [2:48] Are there natural or holistic remedies that can help treat MS?
- [3:27] Is MS contagious or hereditary?
- [4:03] If someone has MS, is it going to get worse?
- [4:33] How do drug treatments help MS and is there a cure?
- [5:13] What is the life expectancy for someone who has MS?
- [5:56] Is it okay for someone with MS to get pregnant? Does it affect fertility?
- [6:30] Is there a connection with having MS and other autoimmune conditions?
Service Location
Neuroscience Institute | VMC Specialty Care
Call 425.690.3585
Fax 425.690.9585
