Cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (the nerves that transmit signals from the eyes to the brain), are on the rise in the United States, impacting nearly 1 million people nationwide. For many patients, a diagnosis can feel overwhelming and raise questions such as:
- What does this mean for my future?
- Will I be able to work or maintain my lifestyle?
- What treatments are available?
At White Plains Hospital, patients have expanded access to specialized, comprehensive MS care close to home at its Multiple Sclerosis Center, which has been based at the Hospital since 2004. Over the years, the Center has continued to grow and evolve, expanding its team of dedicated MS specialists and broadening its treatments and resources for patients.
White Plains Hospital is the only healthcare organization in Westchester designated as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.
Coordinated Care Led by an MS Specialist
The Center is led by Dr. Ute Traugott, an internationally recognized MS specialist with more than 40 years of experience. She specializes exclusively in MS and related neuroimmunologic disorders and serves as Program Director, guiding a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary team.
“Certification by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is very important,” Dr. Traugott says, “as it assures patients that there is a highly qualified group of specialists forming a treatment team to provide the best and up-to-date comprehensive care.”
The program recently expanded with Dr. Mark Tullman as Associate Director, who brings two decades of MS-focused experience, and Dr. Samantha Epstein, enhancing patient access to expert care across the disease spectrum.
A Team-Based, Patient-Focused Model
With a team of experts working together under one roof, patients at White Plains Hospital’s MS Center experience care that is coordinated, comprehensive and supports every aspect of living with MS. Key benefits include:
- Expert evaluation and diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis using MRI, blood tests, and spinal fluid analysis, distinguishing MS from related conditions.
- Personalized treatment plans: Disease-modifying therapies tailored to reduce relapses and slow disease progression. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies to alleviate the daily symptoms of MS often play an integral part in patient care.
- Access to advanced therapies: At this time, over 20 FDA-approved treatments are available. In addition, new medications are in clinical trials targeting inflammation and myelin repair.
- Integrated specialty services: Physical and occupational therapy, urologic care, pain management, and mental health support.
In addition, the team meets regularly with colleagues specializing in neuroradiology to review complex cases, ensuring that every patient receives the most appropriate care.
Understanding MS: Symptoms and Diagnosis
“In patients with MS, the immune system attacks and damages the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves,” says Dr. Epstein. “That damage can result in weakness, numbness and tingling, vision problems, fatigue, and difficulties with coordination and balance.”
“There is no single diagnostic test,” Dr. Epstein adds. “MS is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, neurologic examination, imaging, blood tests, and, if necessary, evaluation of spinal fluid.”
Specialized Care for Complex Conditions
Drs. Epstein, Traugott and Tullman also treat patients with rare autoimmune neurologic disorders such as:
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
- Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-associated disease (MOGAD)
“These conditions can resemble MS but require distinct approaches,” Dr. Tullman explains. “My focus complements Dr. Traugott’s leadership to care for patients at every stage – from newly diagnosed to long-term management.”
“We work closely with rehabilitation specialists and other subspecialists to address the full spectrum of patient needs,” Dr. Traugott says.
“Our goal is not just excellent clinical care, but an exceptional patient experience,” adds Dr. Tullman.
With the addition of new physicians and ongoing advances in treatment and research, the Center remains committed to providing patients with expert, coordinated care at every stage of their MS journey.
Learn more about White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Services.
