Demyelinating diseases derive their name from the myelin sheath, which forms around nerve cells and enables electrical impulses to travel between cells. Damage to the myelin sheath compromises the signals your brain sends to the spinal cord and then to nerves that branch off of the spinal cord.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common type of demyelinating disease. Several demyelinating diseases, including MS, affect your central nervous system – brain and spinal cord. Other demyelinating diseases affect your peripheral nervous system – nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body.
At Sentara, we are experienced in treating various demyelinating diseases. We use a team approach to diagnose and treat your condition. Your care team, each with unique expertise, may include neurologists, neuropsychologists, advanced care practitioners, and specialized therapy and rehabilitation experts.
Multiple sclerosis care at Sentara
With multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks myelin in the central nervous system. Sclerosis is a medical term for the distinctive areas of scar-like tissue (also called plaques or lesions) that result from the attack on myelin by the immune system.
Doctors use a variety of tests to rule out or confirm an MS diagnosis. The tests include a complete medical history, neurological and physical examination, and MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord to look for the characteristic lesions of MS.
While there is no cure for MS, treatments that can reduce the number and severity of relapses and delay the long-term progression of the disease
We are proud to be recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a Center for Comprehensive Care and Partner in MS Care, providing coordinated multidisciplinary care. Partners in MS Care recognizes healthcare providers - such as neurologists, rehab providers, mental health and long-term care providers - with demonstrated knowledge and expertise in treating people with multiple sclerosis.
Michelle Betz, DO, with Sentara Neurology Specialists, is Hampton Road's only fellowship-trained MS neurologist recognized as a Partner in MS Care.
Clinical trials
Sentara participates in numerous ongoing clinical trials for demyelinating diseases at the Sentara Health Research Center. The trials allow our medical teams to gain firsthand knowledge of potential solutions - and to be among the first to deliver the solutions to our patients once their effectiveness and safety are confirmed.