Multiple Sclerosis Centers
Our Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center in Miami operates in affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Centers for Comprehensive MS Care deliver a range of coordinated services. Providers at these centers collaborate to address the complex needs of individuals living with MS, aiming to enhance outcomes and improve the quality of life for their patients.
When choosing a multiple sclerosis center, confirm if they are a designated "Partner in MS Care" or "Center for Comprehensive MS Care" through the National MS Society to ensure they meet your specific clinical needs.
Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center in Miami
Carlos Ramirez-Calderon, MD I Bertha C. Fonseca, MD, MSCS I Miguel Melo-Bicchi, MD
Boca Raton Multiple Sclerosis Office
Brian Steingo, MD
Coconut Grove Multiple Sclerosis Office
Mirla Avila, MD, FAAN
Stuart Multiple Sclerosis Office
Noor Yono, MD
Our MS Specialists, Partners in MS Care, are committed to the highest standards of excellence and offer a full spectrum of care to assist in diagnosing and treating individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
Partners in MS Care are healthcare providers who have expertise in treating people with MS. They include a range of providers, including neurologists, physical therapists, mental health providers, and urologists.
Partners in MS Care work with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to:
Make high-quality healthcare available to more people
Provide more accurate, quicker diagnoses
Support shared decision-making between people living with MS and their providers
Improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with MS
These providers connect people with MS with information, resources, and support from the Society. This empowers them to make informed choices, manage their MS, and live their best lives.
Treatment Options for Multiple Sclerosis
While there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, treatment options have improved significantly. The goals of MS care are to help reduce relapses, slow disease progression, manage flare-ups, treat symptoms, preserve function, and support a better quality of life. Treatment may include:
Disease-Modifying Therapies
Disease-modifying therapies, often called DMTs, are medications designed to help reduce the frequency of relapses, limit new areas of inflammation or lesions in the brain and spinal cord, and slow MS disease activity. These treatments may include oral medications, injectable therapies, and infusion-based therapies.
Infusion Therapy
Some MS medications are administered through IV infusion. First Choice Neurology currently offers access to 8 Infusion Centers, providing infusion therapy for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, as well as other neurological and medical conditions.
Relapse Treatment
MS flare-ups, also called relapses or exacerbations, may require short-term treatment to reduce inflammation and help speed recovery. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s medical history, treatment may include corticosteroids or other physician-recommended therapies.
Symptom Management
MS symptoms can vary from person to person. Medications, therapies, and supportive care may help patients manage fatigue, pain, muscle stiffness or spasticity, bladder concerns, mood changes, sleep issues, walking difficulties, and cognitive changes.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping many MS patients maintain strength, balance, coordination, mobility, safety, independence, and daily function. First Choice Neurology’s Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Center in Miami provides precision-tailored PT and OT services for neurological patients, including those living with multiple sclerosis.
Lifestyle and Wellness Support
A comprehensive MS treatment plan may also include lifestyle and wellness strategies. Regular movement, nutrition, stress management, healthy sleep habits, fall prevention, cooling strategies, and support services may help patients better manage symptoms and maintain day-to-day function.
South Florida Multiple Sclerosis Specialists
Carlos Ramirez-Calderon, MD
9085 SW 87th Avenue
Suite 201 (1st floor)
Miami, FL 33176
(305) 412-6363
Bertha C. Fonseca, MD, MSCS
747 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 411
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-4175
Brian Steingo, MD
9970 Central Park Blvd.
Suite 207
Boca Raton, FL 33428
(561) 482-1027
Miguel Melo-Bicchi, MD
9055 SW 87th Avenue
Suite 100
Miami, FL 33176
(305) 596-2080
Mirla Avila, MD, FAAN
3683 S. Miami Avenue, Suite 420
Miami, FL 33133
(786) 655-8010
Noor Yono, MD
1026 SE Federal Highway
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 210-2447
Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center Services
First Choice Neurology Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center services include:
Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses
MS second opinion
Ongoing MS medical and symptom management
Patient and family education about Multiple Sclerosis
Additional services provided at this facility include:
Physical therapy
Social work services
Occupational therapy
Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers. This can interfere with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
What are the early signs of MS?
Early symptoms of MS may include numbness, tingling, vision changes, muscle weakness, dizziness, balance problems, fatigue, bladder changes, pain, or walking difficulty. Because symptoms may appear, improve, and return over time, MS can sometimes be difficult to recognize in the beginning.
Is there a cure for MS?
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatment has advanced significantly. Today’s therapies may help reduce relapses, slow disease activity, manage symptoms, protect function, and improve quality of life.
How is MS diagnosed?
MS is diagnosed through a combination of a neurological exam, medical history, MRI imaging, and testing to rule out other conditions. In some cases, additional testing may include blood work, spinal fluid analysis, or evoked potential testing.
What type of doctor treats MS?
Multiple sclerosis is treated by a neurologist. Some neurologists have additional experience or specialized training in MS, neuroimmunology, and demyelinating diseases.
When should I see a neurologist for possible MS?
You should consider seeing a neurologist if you have unexplained neurological symptoms such as vision loss, numbness, tingling, weakness, balance issues, dizziness, walking difficulty, bladder changes, or symptoms that come and go over time. Early evaluation can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment plan.
Where is the Miami MS Center located?
First Choice Neurology’s Multiple Sclerosis Center is located at:
9085 SW 87 Avenue, Miami, Florida
For an appointment, call (786) 219-3145
Does First Choice Neurology offer infusion therapy for MS?
Yes. First Choice Neurology offers infusion therapy at several Florida locations. Infusion therapy may be recommended for certain MS medications and other neurological or medical conditions.
Can physical therapy help people with MS?
Yes. Physical and occupational therapy can play an important role in MS care. Therapy may help improve strength, balance, coordination, endurance, mobility, safety, independence, and daily function. First Choice Neurology’s Therapy Center in Miami provides neurological rehabilitation services for patients with MS and other neurological conditions.
Miami MS Center Medical Staff
A neurologist functions as the leader of the MS team. As a specialist in diseases of the nervous system, a neurologist will diagnose MS, identify treatment strategies, and coordinate treatment with other members of the team. Our medical staff is comprised of the following Neurologists specializing in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Carlos Ramirez-Calderon, MD, Director of Clinical Affairs, Bertha C. Fonseca, MD, MSCS, and Miguel Melo-Bicchi, MD. There is also an MS Nurse Specialist, Social Worker, Case Manager, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists in an Outpatient Rehab center.
Contact First Choice Neurology Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center to make an appointment.
Phone: (786) 219-3145
Fax: (786) 219-3155
Email: nscancillary@fcneurology.net
To submit an order or referral, please fax the order to the number listed above or email it to the appropriate department. Our team will review and follow up promptly.
Boca Raton Multiple Sclerosis Office
Our Boca Raton Multiple Sclerosis neurologist is Dr. Brian Steingo, a Neuropsychologist, Meghan Jacobs, PsyD, and other support staff. The Boca Raton MS Center also has an infusion therapy for patients.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Steingo and Dr. Jacobs, call (561) 482-1027.