Neurology

DESCRIPTION

Multiple Sclerosis – often referred to as MS - is a chronic, sometimes progressive disease of the Central Nervous System (including the brain and spinal cord) that affects more than 400,000 people in the United States. MS is typically diagnosed when the patient is between 20 and 40 years old, with more women than men affected. Scientists are still working to determine the causes of MS. Some believe that MS is the result of an autoimmune response in the body that causes damage to healthy tissues. Others believe that a virus is involved in causing the disease. Research is ongoing to determine the causes of MS and target treatments toward the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from person to person, depending on the area of the nervous system that is affected. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of coordination
• Weakness
• Vision disturbances
• Sensory disturbances
• Fatigue 
• Memory loss
• Cognitive problems
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Depression
• Speech problems

No two individuals with MS are exactly alike.  That’s why medical care should be individualized and involve the patient in the decision-making.

OUR APPROACH

University of Louisville's MS Care Center Program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for each patient - with access to the full range of medical expertise, without the inconvenience of multiple appointments and referrals.

The MS Care Center Program provides a broad spectrum of services including:

• Diagnostic evaluation and testing, including MRI, neurological examinations and laboratory testing.
• Rehabilitative assessment and services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy to help patients regain mobility and independence and speech therapy to overcome speech or swallowing problems.
• Evaluation and treatment of cognitive (thinking) problems and emotional problems by a specially trained neuropsychologist.
• Medication to improve symptoms and reduce the occurrence and severity of attacks, including newer drugs that have been shown to reduce progression or long-term disability in MS patients.
• Opportunity to participate in clinical studies examining new treatments for MS.
• Educational programs such as the Newly Diagnosed and Healthy Steps programs.

This patient-centered approach to MS primary care is designated to address each individual’s unique needs.

Our MS specialists are an interdisciplinary group of highly skilled and trained team members serving approximately 1000 MS patients with access to state-of-the-art technology, and up-to-the-minute research and drug therapies based on the MS Care Center Program’s participation in clinical trials. 

ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT

The assessment, evaluation and treatment of MS patients begin with a highly-skilled team:

• MS Neurologists - lead the patient care team in creating and following an individualized plan of action.

MS Assistant Professor of Neurology and Director of the MS Care Center Program

Dr Stephen S. Kirzinger brings more than 25 years experience in adult neurology to the program.  He has been the principle investigator in over 100 clinical studies aimed at finding new and better treatments or neurological disorders, including MS.

Dr Kirzinger received his undergraduate education at Centre College and completed a Master’s in Biochemistry and his Medical Degree at the University of Louisville.  He completed his adult neurology residency at Walter Reed Medical Center.  He is a member of the Board of the Kentucky and Southeast Indiana Chapter of the National MS Society. 

• MS certified Nurse Practitioners – Provide evaluation, education and treatment

 Jenifer Patterson, RN, MSN, ARNP, MSCN is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner that joined University Neurologist Multiple Sclerosis Center in 2006.  Her nursing background brings experience in Emergency Room and Intensive Care unit nursing including a neurologic ICU.  Jenifer’s current role at University Neurologist is Nurse Practitioner for the Multiple Sclerosis Center.  She holds National Nursing Certification in Multiple Sclerosis.  Jenifer’s primary role in the MS Center is the day to day clinical management and education of patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

•  Certified Clinical Research Coordinator/ MS Certified Nurse – works with patients and physicians involved in research studies and provides education and addresses concerns specific to MS patients and their families.

• Infusion Nurse - provides the specialized expertise to assist patients with infusions used to manage MS and treat acute attacks (exacerbations).

Robin Wigginton, RN

• Neuropsychologist - helps address issues of cognitive (thinking) function and depression that maybe part of MS.

Adam Brickler, Psy.D. graduated with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University in 2008, and has been working in the field since 2002.  His current areas of clinical specialty and interest include diagnostic assessment of adults with suspected and confirmed brain dysfunction. 

Donna Smith, MA earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University in 1998 and was granted the ability to function autonomously as a Licensed Psychological Practitioner in 2004.  She has over 20 years with the practice, currently functioning as Practice Manager, and has provided the services in a rehabilitation setting, as well as for patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

• Physical and Occupational Therapists - provide individualized rehabilitation treatment.

Theresa Bradshaw, OTR/L, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from Saint Louis University in 1998.  She has been practicing Occupational Therapy for ten years, primarily in hospital settings.  Most recently she worked at University of Louisville Hospital, where she was a member of the University Hospital Stroke Team.  Other areas of experience include orthopedics, trauma, burns, and school-based Occupational Therapy.

Patricia Sallee, PT, graduated from University of Louisville in 1991 with a Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Physical Therapy and has worked in a hospital setting for 17 years, with 8 years experience working with the University Hospital Stroke Team.  Other areas of experience include orthopedics, trauma, and acute neurological injuries. 

• Medical Assistants – coordinate care and medication support.

Elke Fisher, MA, our Germany-trained medical assistant, will be here to guide you through the various steps of your visit to the clinic, starting with your one-on-one interview.

She will also assist you with your questions regarding your treatment program and advise on medications, exercise patterns, and third party needs, such as insurance and mobility assistance.

Elke will often assist in the procedures and tests you may need to undertake, so she can provide continuity to the often-varied aspects of your treatment.

• Social Workers - offer support and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Durable Medical Equipment - referrals can be made to obtain devices or equipment for home treatment.
• Specialist Referrals - referrals to specialists, such urologists to evaluate and manage MS-related problems or neuro-ophthalmologists to provide specialized assessment of MS-related vision and eye problems.

YOU CAN COUNT ON US

MS treatment should be as individual as you are. The MS Care Center Program sees patients at two different locations, giving you flexibility to choose the office that works best. 

Baptist Hospital East Multiple Sclerosis Center

4000 Kresge Way

Louisville, KY 40207

(502) 896-7695

University Neurologists, PSC

UL HealthCare MS Center

401 East Chestnut Street Suite 510

Louisville, KY 40202

(502) 589-0802