Multiple Sclerosis Clinic

Multiple Sclerosis is thought to affect more than 2.3 million people worldwide and is at least 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men. The impact of MS on one's health and quality of life can be enormous. Though there is currently no cure for MS, there are many treatments available that can slow the progression of the disease and ease its symptoms.

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of Central Texas at CTNC is led by Francisco P. Gomez, MD and is the most comprehensive MS clinic in Central Texas. We offer comprehensive, coordinated care to diagnose and manage the disease while promoting comfort, function, independence, health and wellness. We also are on the forefront of clinical trials in the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of MS.

Types of MS

Four disease courses have been identified in multiple sclerosis:

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

RRMS — the most common disease course — is characterized by clearly defined attacks of worsening neurologic function. These attacks — also called relapses, flare-ups or exacerbations — are followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions), during which symptoms improve partially or completely and there is no apparent progression of disease. Approximately 85 percent of people with MS are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.

Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)

The name for this course comes from the fact that it follows after the relapsing-remitting course. Most people who are initially diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transition to SPMS, which means that the disease will begin to progress more steadily (although not necessarily more quickly), with or without relapses.

Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)

PPMS is characterized by steadily worsening neurologic function from the beginning. Although the rate of progression may vary over time with occasional plateaus and temporary, minor improvements, there are no distinct relapses or remissions. About 10 percent of people with MS are diagnosed with PPMS.

Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS)

PRMS — the least common of the four disease courses — is characterized by steadily progressing disease from the beginning and occasional exacerbations along the way. People with this form of MS may or may not experience some recovery following these attacks; the disease continues to progress without remissions.

Treatment Options

There are various MS treatment options available today that have been shown to decrease the frequency of relapses and to delay disease progression. Some treatments use an injection — either subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into the muscle) — while others are given intravenously (via an infusion) or orally (by mouth).

Multiple Sclerosis FAQs

Clinical Trials

As part of our mission to extend the knowledge and treatment of neurological disorders, CTNC has participated in dozens of clinical trials to test new treatments for MS. Look through our clinical trials page to find studies for which you may be eligible.

Clinical Research Center

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Multiple Sclerosis Resources

Francisco P. Gomez, MD
is Board Certified in Neurology and is the medical director for the MS Clinic of Central Texas. Dr. Gomez treats and diagnoses MS, NMO and MOG.
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