Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis, commonly called MS, is a chronic neurological disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers. When myelin is damaged, messages between the brain and the rest of the body may slow down, become distorted, or stop altogether. This can lead to symptoms involving vision, movement, balance, sensation, fatigue, bladder function, cognition, and more.
MS affects each person differently. Some people have mild symptoms with long periods of stability, while others experience relapses, progression, or symptoms that interfere with daily life. Although there is currently no cure for MS, today’s treatment options can help reduce relapses, slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
At First Choice Neurology, patients have access to experienced neurologists and Multiple Sclerosis specialists throughout Florida. Our team provides comprehensive neurological evaluation, diagnostic testing, disease management, infusion therapy, MRI imaging, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing support for patients living with MS.
Facts about Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults. Nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS, according to a prevalence study funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
MS is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can occur at almost any age. Women are more likely than men to develop MS. The exact cause is still unknown, but researchers believe MS develops from a combination of immune system activity, genetics, environmental exposures, infections, vitamin D levels, and other risk factors.
• MS is a disease of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
• MS symptoms vary widely from person to person.
• Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms.
• MS can cause symptoms that come and go, known as relapses and remissions.
• Early diagnosis and treatment may help reduce future disease activity.
• Disease-modifying therapies can reduce relapses, limit new lesions, and slow progression for many patients.
• Rehabilitation, lifestyle strategies, and symptom management are important parts of long-term MS care.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
MS symptoms depend on where inflammation or nerve damage occurs in the central nervous system. No two people experience MS the same way, and symptoms may change over time. Common MS symptoms may include:
Fatigue
MS-related fatigue can feel overwhelming and may interfere with work, family life, exercise, and daily activities.
Numbness or Tingling
Patients may experience numbness, tingling, burning, pins-and-needles sensations, or reduced feeling in the arms, legs, face, or body.
Vision Problems
MS can affect the optic nerve and may cause blurred vision, double vision, eye pain, or temporary vision loss.
Muscle Weakness
Weakness may affect walking, balance, grip strength, coordination, or the ability to complete everyday tasks.
Balance and Coordination Problems
MS can cause dizziness, vertigo, unsteady walking, falls, and difficulty with coordination.
Pain and Spasticity
Some people experience nerve pain, muscle tightness, spasms, stiffness, or painful cramping.
Cognitive Changes
MS may affect memory, attention, processing speed, concentration, and problem-solving.
Bladder or Bowel Symptoms
Some patients experience urinary urgency, frequency, retention, constipation, or bowel control problems.
Mood Changes
Depression, anxiety, emotional changes, and stress may occur with MS and should be addressed as part of comprehensive care.
What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?
The exact cause of MS is not fully understood. MS is considered an immune-mediated disease, which means the immune system plays a central role in attacking myelin and nerve fibers. Researchers believe MS may develop when several risk factors come together. Possible causes and risk factors include:
• Family history of MS
• Certain genetic factors
• Low vitamin D levels or limited sunlight exposure
• Smoking
• Obesity, especially during adolescence
• Prior infection with Epstein-Barr virus
• Geographic and environmental factors
• Sexual dysfunction
• Other autoimmune tendencies
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop MS. Likewise, some people diagnosed with MS may not have obvious risk factors.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
MS may follow different disease patterns. A neurologist can help determine the type of MS and the best treatment plan.
Relapsing-Remitting MS
This is the most common form of MS. Patients experience relapses, also called flare-ups or attacks, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery.
Secondary Progressive MS
Some people with relapsing-remitting MS may later develop a gradual worsening of symptoms over time.
Primary Progressive MS
This form involves gradual progression from the beginning, usually without clear relapses.
Clinically Isolated Syndrome
This refers to the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by inflammation or demyelination. Not everyone with clinically isolated syndrome develops MS, but careful evaluation and monitoring are important.
When Should You See a Neurologist?
You should consider seeing a neurologist if you experience new, unexplained, or recurring symptoms that may involve the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves.
Schedule an appointment with a neurologist if you have:
• Vision loss, double vision, or eye pain
• Numbness or tingling that does not go away
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Trouble walking or frequent falls
• Persistent dizziness or balance problems
• Unexplained fatigue with neurological symptoms
• Muscle stiffness, spasms, or nerve pain
• Bladder changes along with numbness or weakness
• Memory, concentration, or cognitive changes
• Symptoms that come and go over time
Seek urgent medical attention for sudden severe weakness, loss of vision, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, confusion, or symptoms that could suggest a stroke or other emergency.
How Neurologists Diagnose MS
Diagnosing MS can be complex because symptoms may look like other neurological, autoimmune, infectious, or metabolic conditions. A neurologist will review your medical history, perform a neurological exam, and order appropriate testing. MS diagnosis may include:
Neurological Exam
The neurologist checks vision, reflexes, strength, sensation, balance, coordination, walking, and nerve function.
MRI of the Brain and Spine
MRI is one of the most important tools for diagnosing and monitoring MS. It can show areas of inflammation or scarring, known as lesions, in the brain and spinal cord. Mayo Clinic notes that MRI is commonly used to help support diagnosis and evaluate MS activity.
Spinal Fluid Testing
A lumbar puncture may be used to look for immune system activity in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Blood Tests
Bloodwork may help rule out other conditions that can mimic MS.
Evoked Potential Testing
These tests measure electrical activity in the brain and nerves to evaluate how well signals travel through the nervous system.
Ongoing Monitoring
After diagnosis, neurologists may use follow-up exams, MRI scans, symptom tracking, and medication monitoring to evaluate disease activity and treatment response.
Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis
There is no cure for MS, but treatment has advanced significantly. The goals of MS treatment are to reduce relapses, slow progression, treat flare-ups, manage symptoms, protect function, and improve quality of life. Treatment may include:
Disease-Modifying Therapies
Disease-modifying therapies, or DMTs, are medications used to reduce relapse frequency, limit new brain or spinal cord lesions, and slow disease activity. These may include oral medications, injectable therapies, and infusion therapies.
Infusion Therapy
Some MS medications are given by IV infusion. First Choice Neurology currently has Infusion Centers in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Miami/Kendall, Pembroke Pines, Lake City, Plantation, and Naples. FCN’s infusion centers provide therapy for demyelinating diseases and other neurological and medical conditions.
Relapse Treatment
MS flare-ups may be treated with corticosteroids or other therapies depending on symptom severity and the patient’s medical history.
Symptom Management
Medications and therapies may help manage fatigue, pain, spasticity, bladder symptoms, mood changes, sleep issues, walking difficulty, and cognitive symptoms.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Rehabilitation can help patients improve strength, balance, coordination, mobility, safety, independence, and daily function. First Choice Neurology’s Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Center in Miami serves neurological patients, including patients with MS, with precision-tailored PT and OT services.
Lifestyle and Wellness Support
Exercise, nutrition, stress management, sleep care, fall prevention, cooling strategies, and support services may all play an important role in MS management.
Florida Multiple Sclerosis Specialists
First Choice Neurology has neurologists and MS specialists in South Florida who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with multiple sclerosis.
First Choice Neurology’s South Florida MS specialists include:
• Carlos Ramírez-Calderón, MD — Miami
• Bertha C. Fonseca, MD, MSCS — Coral Gables
• Brian Steingo, MD — Boca Raton
• Miguel Melo-Bicchi, MD — Miami
MS specialists are Partners in MS Care who work with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and are committed to a full spectrum of care for diagnosing and treating individuals affected by MS.
Our Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center in Miami operates in affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Centers for Comprehensive MS Care provide coordinated services to help meet the complex needs of people living with MS and improve outcomes and quality of life.
Additional FCN Neurologists Who Treat MS
Other neurologists at First Choice Neurology who treat multiple sclerosis include Dr. Ajay Pandey, Dr. Barry J. Cutler, Dr. Brian Costell, Dr. Bruce Kohrman, Dr. Christopher Jimenez, Dr. Claudio Osorio, and Dr. Craig Senzon, among others listed in our medical specialty directory.
Locations Where MS Care Is Available
First Choice Neurology provides MS care and related neurological services in multiple Florida communities.
Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center in Miami
9085 SW 87 Avenue
Miami, FL 33176
Phone: (786) 219-3145
Coral Gables MS Specialist Office
747 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 411
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 444-4175
Boca Raton Multiple Sclerosis Office
9970 Central Park Blvd., Suite 207
Boca Raton, FL 33428
Phone: (561) 482-1027
Miami Multiple Sclerosis Office
9055 SW 87th Avenue, Suite 100
Miami, FL 33176
Phone: (305) 596-2080
Other locations of neurologists who treat MS are found in South Miami, Plantation, Delray Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Tampa, and additional locations throughout Florida.
Related MS Tests and Services at First Choice Neurology
MRI Center in Miami
Our MRI Center is located at 9085 SW 87 Avenue, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33176. The center utilizes a MAGNETOM Lumina 3T Large Bore MRI system, featuring advanced imaging technology, including BioMatrix, syngo MR XA, Turbo Suite, and Deep Resolve AI-powered image reconstruction.
Infusion Centers
FCN infusion centers provide IV and injectable medications in comfortable, office-based settings. Infusion therapy may be part of MS care for patients prescribed certain disease-modifying therapies.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
FCN’s Miami Therapy Center provides neurological rehabilitation for MS and other neurological conditions. Therapy may focus on walking, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, fall prevention, self-care skills, and independence.
Neurodiagnostic Testing
Depending on symptoms, neurologists may recommend neurodiagnostic testing to evaluate nerve function, rule out other conditions, or better understand neurological symptoms.
Nutrition and Wellness
Lifestyle support may help patients manage energy, maintain strength, support overall health, and improve daily function.
Telehealth
For appropriate visits, telehealth may help patients maintain follow-up care and medication management when an in-office appointment is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Sclerosis
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerves, causing communication problems between the brain, spinal cord, optic nerves, and the rest of the body.
What are the first signs of MS?
Early MS symptoms may include numbness, tingling, vision changes, weakness, dizziness, balance problems, fatigue, bladder symptoms, or pain. Symptoms may come and go, which can make MS difficult to recognize at first.
Can MS be cured?
There is currently no cure for MS. However, treatments can help reduce relapses, slow disease activity, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
How is MS diagnosed?
MS is diagnosed through a neurological exam, medical history, MRI imaging, blood tests to rule out other conditions, and sometimes spinal fluid testing or evoked potential testing.
What kind of doctor treats MS?
A neurologist treats MS. Some neurologists have additional experience or specialization in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology.
When should I see a neurologist for possible MS?
You should see a neurologist if you have unexplained neurological symptoms such as vision loss, numbness, tingling, weakness, balance problems, walking difficulty, bladder changes, or symptoms that come and go over time.
Does First Choice Neurology have MS specialists?
Yes. First Choice Neurology has Multiple Sclerosis specialists in Miami, Coral Gables, Boca Raton, and Tampa, as well as additional neurologists throughout Florida who treat MS. First Choice Neurology’s Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center in Miami operates in affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Where is FCN’s Comprehensive MS Center located?
First Choice Neurology’s Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center is located at 9085 SW 87 Avenue in Miami, Florida. The center can be reached at (786) 219-3145.
Does First Choice Neurology offer infusion therapy for MS?
Yes. First Choice Neurology has infusion centers in multiple Florida locations, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Miami/Kendall, Pembroke Pines, Lake City, Plantation, and Naples.
Can physical therapy help with MS?
Yes. Physical and occupational therapy can help people with MS improve mobility, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, safety, and independence. FCN’s Therapy Center in Miami provides neurological rehabilitation for MS and other neurological conditions.
How can AI help MS patients?
AI may help with MRI image reconstruction, lesion detection, lesion tracking, and monitoring disease activity over time. AI tools support physicians by improving imaging efficiency and helping identify changes that may need further review.
How Artificial Intelligence (AI) Is Helping Patients With MS
Artificial intelligence is becoming an important tool in neurological care and MS research. In MS, AI is especially promising in MRI analysis, lesion detection, lesion measurement, brain volume assessment, and tracking changes over time.
First Choice Neurology is a founding member of NeuroDiscovery AI, the first neurology-specialized AI platform in the U.S. NeuroDiscovery AI has developed a specialized multi-modal large language model (LLM) platform (NeuroLLM) exclusively designed for pharmaceutical applications. NeuroLLM is the world's first neurology-focused multi-modal Large Language Model.
A 2025 review in Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence described AI applications across the MRI process, including image collection, lesion segmentation, lesion detection, volumetry, and downstream clinical and research tasks. AI may help MS care by:
• Supporting faster MRI image reconstruction
• Helping detect new or enlarging MS lesions
• Measuring lesion volume more consistently
• Tracking brain volume changes
• Supporting research into disease progression
• Helping clinicians monitor silent disease activity
• Improving efficiency in imaging workflows
First Choice Neurology’s MRI Center uses Deep Resolve, an AI-powered image reconstruction system designed to enhance MRI imaging speed and quality. This type of imaging technology may help improve the patient experience while supporting diagnostic precision.
AI does not replace the neurologist. Instead, it can support physicians by improving imaging efficiency, highlighting changes that may need attention, and helping guide data-informed decisions.
Schedule an Appointment with a Multiple Sclerosis Neurologist
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, has been recently diagnosed, or needs a second opinion, First Choice Neurology can help. Our neurologists and MS specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing, treatment planning, infusion therapy, rehabilitation support, and long-term MS care throughout Florida. Schedule an appointment today with a Multiple Sclerosis neurologist or MS specialist.