Elizabeth Potter, FNP-C

Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time with the following items:

• MRI: Radiology reports and the images on a disc
• Office notes from your previous doctors: neurologist, primary care physician, etc.
• Test results: Lab, CT, EEG, VEP, EMG/NCV, Echocardiogram, Lumbar Puncture, etc.
• Insurance Cards
• Photo ID
• Patient forms (that we send to you prior to your appointment) filled out by you

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. It can cause:

• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Tremors
• Numbness
• Extreme fatigue
• Memory and concentration problems
• Mood changes
• Dizziness

The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown. Research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors playing a role. Possible risk factors include:

• A family history of MS
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Vitamin D deficiency
• History of infectious mononucleosis
• Past concussions
• Where you live
• Multiple sclerosis occupational therapist helps a patient in the MS clinic

MS occurs more often in women than in men. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 50 years. It can also occur in children and older adults.

No single test exists to diagnose this condition. Instead, neurologists and MS specialists make a diagnosis by gathering information from your medical history, physical exams, imaging and lab test results.

Commonly called “attacks,” “exacerbations,” or “flare-ups,” MS relapses happen when new symptoms suddenly appear or old symptoms worsen for more than 24 hours. Relapses can last from several days up to several weeks.

MS symptoms can come and go. You may feel worse than normal if you do too much, get too hot, get overtired or sick, or have surgery. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re having a relapse. You will likely improve.

Contact your provider, who may want to order blood tests or imaging and prescribe steroid
treatment

Not yet. We currently have several FDA-approved medications that can improve your well-being by reducing the number of relapses you have. Medicine can also slow down the progression of the disease. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances can help people manage their symptoms. Research advances every year, including research, to find a cure.

Having MS means a lifetime of treatment. This can include both medication and other approaches, like rehab to reduce or manage your symptoms.
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Medication reduces inflammation in the brain and spinal cord by targeting your immune system.
This approach:

• Lessens the number of MS attacks
• Can slow the worsening of the disease

We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that takes into account your unique history and needs. When choosing a treatment, we’ll discuss:

• Effectiveness. How well does the therapy work, both as you begin therapy and over time?
• Side effects. Nearly every medication has some kind of side effect. Review the side effects of each treatment option with your medical provider.
• Lifestyle. Consider how the treatment will fit with your responsibilities (work, travel, family).
• Medication type. Which delivery method works best for you? Options include injection, oral medications and infusions through an IV.

The cost of your treatment can vary depending on several factors including which therapy, your insurance status and insurance provider. Our team at Rocky Mountain MS Clinic are committed to lowering costs and improving access for our patients.
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We work with virtually all leading commercial insurance providers in the greater Intermountain region, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, DMBA, EMI Health, Humana, PEHP Health & Benefits, Select Health, as Tricare, as well as Medicaid and Medicare.
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We’re here to make treatment more affordable and less stressful. Our team takes care of prior authorizations and benefits verification for you, and we’ll personally guide you through copay assistance and foundation support programs to help lower your out-of-pocket costs.