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What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
MS is an autoimmune neurological disease that affects your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Sclerosis refers to the scarring or hardening of tissue patches within your body. Multiple sclerosis happens in multiple places – your brain and spinal cord.
Causes of MS
Experts are not sure what causes MS, but think it’s a mixture of genetics and environmental factors. MS isn’t directly inherited but you may be more likely to develop it if you have a close relative with the disease. MS is more common in women than in men.
When you have MS, your body mistakenly attacks the covers (myelin sheath) of the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. The scarring that results damages the nerves underneath, leading to disrupted messages between your nerves. It can slow down, jumble or stop the electrical signals from coming through.
MS is most common in people between 20 and 40, but it can develop at any age.
Types of MS
There are two types of MS, relapsing remitting MS and primary progressive MS.
Relapsing remitting MS is the most common type. You’ll experience symptoms that come and go. They may worsen over a few days, last for several days, weeks or months, and then slowly improve. When your symptoms improve, you are in ‘remission’. When you’re experiencing symptoms, you’re in a ‘relapse’.
In primary progressive MS, your symptoms worsen without a remission. However, symptoms stabilise for some people with primary progressive MS.
Around two-thirds of those with relapsing remitting MS will develop primary progressive MS.
Around two-thirds of those with relapsing remitting MS will develop primary progressive MS.
Symptoms of MS
MS can affect different parts of your brain and spinal cord, so that symptoms can vary from person to person. Some symptoms may be mild or cause a serious disability in some people.
Symptoms of MS can develop in any body area and the most common symptoms are:
- Persistent fatigue
- Issues with walking and moving
- Impaired or blurry vision
- Problems controlling the bladder
- Numbness or tingling in different body parts
- Muscular stiffness and spasms
- Balance and general coordination issues
- Cognitive impacts on learning, thinking, and planning
When to see an MS specialist
Our private neurologists can help you receive the diagnosis and management support you need if you’re experiencing symptoms you think may be MS or you’re concerned about your risk.
You can see a specialist immediately and access clinical trials before the general public. We’ll provide an accurate diagnosis using our state-of-the-art technology and ensure you receive your results fast.
Private MS diagnosis
We take a multidisciplinary approach when diagnosing MS. We carry out personal consultations and medical testing so you receive the correct diagnosis.
We can diagnose MS from the following:
- Your clinical presentation of symptoms
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Lumbar puncture (removal and analysis of spinal fluid)
- Blood tests
- Evoked potentials (measuring the brain and spinal cord’s electrical activity)
Our consultant neurologists specialise in managing MS and will make your diagnosis. We aim to provide your results fast (generally within 48 hours) so you can access your management plan sooner.
Why choose Dementech Neurosciences?
When you choose us for your private MS diagnosis and treatment, you’ll receive:
Our prices for MS diagnosis and treatment start at £485.
Why choose Dementech Neurosciences?
When you choose us for your private MS diagnosis and treatment, you’ll receive:
- Same-day consultations
- Access to UK-leading neurologists
- No waiting lists
- Tests and results within 48 hours
- Dedicated Patient Advisers offering ongoing support and guidance to you and your family
- Access to clinical trials before they’re widely available
- Video consultations if you cannot make it in person
Our prices for MS diagnosis and treatment start at £485.
Private MS treatment with Dementech Neurosciences
Although there is no cure for MS, our neurologists can provide the best treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
Finding the proper treatment for your symptoms is vital as they could respond differently to treatments. Treatment will also focus on specific symptoms and how they impact your life.
Medication
Steroid medication can help manage symptoms during a relapse. Specialists typically prescribe methylprednisolone, which may help your relapses go into remission faster. Once your relapse has finished, you can stop taking the steroid.
Some medications modify your immune system, while others work to protect and repair the myelin sheath.
Disease-modifying therapies
To reduce your relapses, you may undergo disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs aim to reduce inflammation, relapses and brain lesions and slow the progression of MS. Your neurologist will ensure you receive the correct DMTs for your MS.
Rehabilitation
We will provide comprehensive rehabilitation and disability management if you’re experiencing an increasing neurological disability. No matter your MS management plan, our broad team of experts will support you at every step.
What to expect when you visit Dementech Neurosciences in London
When you visit Dementech Neurosciences, our caring team will lead you through the process.
First, you’ll have an initial consultation with our specialist physician. You can talk about your symptoms and discuss concerns. Then you’ll undergo any necessary assessments with our neurologist to determine the severity of your symptoms.
Next, you’ll begin diagnostic testing. Once you receive your results, we’ll call you to book a second consultation to thoroughly discuss them and confirm what’s next for your management plan.
Our team will provide you with the highest level of care during your journey with us.
Book an appointment with Dementech Neurosciences
If you’re experiencing MS symptoms or seek support for relapses, contact our expert-led team today. We’ll provide you with accurate diagnostics that help us create a personalised treatment plan for your unique needs.
Visit our private London
neurology clinic in
Wimpole Street:
Lister House
11 Wimpole street
W1G 9ST London
United Kingdom
Meet our Doctors
Our team of multiple sclerosis experts in London provide expert care to diagnose, manage and treat multiple sclerosis symptoms.
Dr. Maria Papachatzaki – Consultant Neurologist, MS Specialist
Epilepsy
Multiple Sclerosis
Neurologist
Private Neurology
Hear what our patients have to say
Have had nothing but kindness and professionalism from Dementech and all their staff. From their initial guidance by Shakeela, through to staff conducting the MRI tests and Dr. Lucio D'Anna for his expertise clarity of explanation, compassion and consideration. Special mention to Zobia, who saved the day with her quick thinking that helped my mother-in-law to obtain extended care. Overall a perfect experience. Cannot recommend them enough.N Mohamed
My family and I experienced one of the hardest times of our lives having to deal with my wife’s deteriorating condition. I would like to personally thank the lovely young lady Zobiaa from Dementech, for showering us with compassion, empathy and genuine care and concern. Her professionalism, high-level customer service and communication, eye for detail, and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs and make not only my wife, but our whole family, feel as comfortable and supported as possible, is something we will always be grateful for. Thank you so much for your friendly and polite presence Zobiaa and taking the time and effort to build a relationship with us. You really made our visits to the clinic a positive, 5 star experience.P Allen
FAQs About Multiple Sclerosis
How is MS diagnosed?
MS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical and neurological examination, imaging studies, and other tests, such as evoked potentials and blood tests.
How fast does MS progress after first symptoms?
The progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can vary greatly from person to person and can depend on several factors, including the type of MS, the individual’s age, and the severity of symptoms. Generally, people with relapsing-remitting MS may have episodes of symptoms (relapses) followed by periods of remission, while people with progressive MS may have a gradual and ongoing worsening of symptoms over time. In either case, the progression of MS can be difficult to predict and can vary greatly from person to person.
Can MS be cured?
There is currently no cure for MS. However, with proper treatment and support, many people with MS are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
What is the prognosis for someone with MS?
The prognosis for someone with MS can vary widely and is influenced by many factors, such as the type and severity of MS, the patient’s age, and overall health. In many cases, people with MS are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life with professional treatment and support.
How do MS medications work?
MS medications work by reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of the disease. Some medications are designed to modify the immune system, while others help to protect and repair the myelin sheath.
If I am seen privately, will I be removed from the NHS waiting list?
No, you won’t be removed from the NHS waiting list if you are seen by a private neurologist at the Dementech Neurosciences clinic.
How quickly can we get an MRI, blood test, and other testing done?
We carry out tests for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) within two days of them being requested, and we will get the results back within 48 hours.
What does the consultation entail?
During a consultation our team will carry out an assessment and go through your medical history with a view to getting a diagnosis for MS. From there, you will receive a treatment plan and a full consultation report.
How quickly can I be seen?
Where possible, we aim to see patients the same week. We wil respond to your request within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends).