NeuroScience Institute
Multiple Sclerosis Center of Oklahoma
Multiple sclerosis is an
inflammatory, degenerative disease of the central nervous
system. It is the most common disabling neurological
disease of young adults. It affects about 400,000 people in the
United States and about 2 million world wide.
 MS can alter a person's physical, emotional and cognitive
abilities early in life, without significantly shortening life
expectancy. This poses a long-term challenge to patients,
caregivers, and medical professionals alike.
A comprehensive approach to the disease can effectively alter
its course. A multidisciplinary health care team is necessary to
achieve such goals.
Oklahoma's only MS Center
Direct
work towards establishing the only center of excellence for management
of MS in Oklahoma was started by
Dr. Gabriel Pardo in 2001. Those efforts successfully led to the
creation of the MS Center of Oklahoma at Mercy's NeuroScience Institute
in July 2004.
It is the only comprehensive
center in the state, and provides medical care to over 1,700 patients.
The commitment of the MS Center to improve the quality of care for MS
patients goes beyond direct medical evaluation and treatment, and
includes active participation in research and education.
Multiple clinical trials
have been conducted at the MS Center, and many more are underway. They
are directed towards finding newer, more effective, and better tolerated
treatments for MS. In addition, novel ways to understand and improve
imbalance — a common manifestation of the disease — are being developed.
Its
experienced interdisciplinary team includes specialists in neurology,
urology, neuro-psychology, neuro-ophthalmology, gynecology,
rehabilitation, nursing, physical therapy, speech and language
pathology, occupational therapy, home health and social service.
Serving the needs of patients throughout the state
In order to assist rural and local physicians in coordinating patient
care, the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Oklahoma maintains a central MS
database. In addition, continuing education is provided to patients,
caregivers and healthcare professionals. This enhances the ability of
the patients to take control of their disease and communicate properly
with their physicians.
Clinical trials
Multiple Sclerosis clinical trials research is proving that
comprehensive disease management can allow individuals with MS to have
a normal or near-normal life expectancy and not become severely
disabled.
Mercy NSI is a major participant in the MS Center clinical
trials process. Because technology is ever-changing and new treatment
options are continually being developed, the MS Center at Mercy remains
on the cutting-edge as new developments become available, giving our
patients an advantage.
Selection to participate in these clinical studies conveys an
industrial stamp of approval. All staff working with the clinical
trial process, including laboratory and radiology departments, often
receive advanced education and certification.
Patient participation in
clinical trials is completely optional. However, many patients want to
be included in clinical trials because of benefits such as
the opportunity to receive new therapies, the potential to improve
patient health and improved standards of care. In addition, patients
receive medication, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, as well as
intensive medical evaluation and assessment at no cost.
“Oklahomans have never had one source that they could go to for MS
medical care. We have long wished for this level of expertise and now
with the MS Center of Oklahoma at Mercy, Oklahomans can stay in
Oklahoma.” --Paula Cortner, President, Oklahoma Chapter, National MS
Society Learn more
about clinical trials
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