Care for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Center of the Lehigh Valley

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center of the Lehigh Valley is designed to help people with MS and their families improve their quality of life. We offer access to current scientific information and education about MS. We also provide quality medical care and opportunities to participate in research on MS or attend educational programs and support group meetings. We currently care for more than 1,200 patients—the largest patient base in the region—and serve as a catchment, offering our special, extended services to hospitals in 7 surrounding counties.

Prestigious Affiliations

The MS Center of the Lehigh Valley is a member of the International Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. We also work in concert with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in areas that include education, counseling, legal, fund-raising, grants and research.

A Unique Approach to Caring for the Whole Patient

From diagnosis to psychological support to specialty therapies to pain management, the MS Center of the Lehigh Valley, based at Lehigh Valley Hospital has the dedicated staff and expertise to help each individual MS patient. In addition to our comprehensive MS treatments, we offer:

• MS Day Hospital at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital: This unique program is specifically designed for people who require the comprehensive service and expertise of a rehabilitation hospital but do not require 24-hour nursing care or one-to-one supervision.
• National MS Society Peer Counselor: If you need assistance regarding insurance coverage, disability questions, legal issues, assistive devices or support groups, this professional, who is on the staff of the MS Society, is available to help.
• Psychiatrist: This mental health professional is available to provide treatment to MS patients and their family members for emotional, psychiatric, adjustment and quality of life issues or complications.
• Continence specialists: Urologists work with MS patients to address problems of sexual dysfunction and continence in men and women.
• Clinical counselor: We have a licensed clinical counselor available to help people with MS deal with issues related to stress management, diagnosis and adjustment.
• Gynecologist: Referrals will be made for routine gynecological services and exams. We offer help as well as referrals to physical therapy to deal with pelvic floor spasticity and pain issues.
  

Educating Our Patients and the Community

Through The Nancy J. Eckert Resource Center, The MS Center of the Lehigh Valley offers many educational opportunities. In fact, we are the only member of the National Consortium of MS Centers in the United States to offer a complete MS School—and the 2nd internationally to do so. Our MS School includes the following:

• Lunch & Learn: Free monthly sessions that cover a variety of subjects from “Using Diagnostic Imaging in MS” to “Boosting Your Brain Power”. Specialists and professionals come to the center to share information with our patients and the community.
• MS School: This program is for patients newly or recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Topics covered include Anatomy of the Brain, MRI Lesions and Significance, Diagnosis, Managing Symptoms and Treatment Modalities.
• Injectable therapy workshop: Yearly hands-on workshop presented by pharmaceutical companies focuses on medication advances and proper techniques for self-administration of injectable medicine.
• Annual symposium for patients/families: Features a nationally known speaker who discusses all aspects of MS, including research and new medications.

Educating Our Colleagues

We continuously work to develop new programs for education on treatment and quality of life issues, establishing new guidelines and therapies.

• Presentations at international forums: The doctors of the MS Center of the Lehigh Valley routinely take part in symposiums around the world where they present information on the latest research and treatment protocols.
• Allied health professional education: Annual conference to update health care professionals on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of MS.

Research at The MS Center

As part of Lehigh Valley Hospital's neurosciences division, the MS Center of the Lehigh Valley participates in international clinical trials of new medications and treatments for MS. Many of these trials are key to gaining FDA approval for a new medication. By being active in trials, we help bring the latest research to the Lehigh Valley.

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