SERVICES

Children with demyelinating conditions including multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis, optic neuritis and Devic’s disease are evaluated and treated in this clinic.

Comprehensive, Compassionate Care
The center focuses on the overall well-being of the child in addition to treating the symptoms of the disease. Our team of specialists takes a multidisciplinary and sensitive approach in delivering comprehensive, compassionate care to children with MS and other demyelinating conditions.

Services Available
Our services range from initial consultation, neuro-imaging and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. The following is a sample of services available:

• Evaluation and diagnosis by neurologists with international reputations in MS
research and care

• Comprehensive, compassionate care by experienced and dedicated staff who
specialize in MS

• Care by pediatric neuropsychologists with expertise in the evaluation and treatment
of cognitive and psychological challenges of MS

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy for comprehensive rehabilitation

• Vision care and evalution by a neuro-ophthalmologist specializing in MS

• Bladder and bowel management by a pediatric urologist

• Access to care by pediatric psychiatrists

• MRIs including analysis by the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC),
a technologically-advanced analysis center specializing in the quantitative study
of MS lesions

• Pediatric Infusion Clinic for steroid and other intravenous or injection treatments

• Single point of accountability specialist – a case manager who ensures each patient
receives proper care and support

• Education programs – for patients and family members to learn how to live
well with MS

Research and Treatment:
There are many therapies available to help reduce the symptoms of MS and establishment of diagnostic standards for pediatric MS is underway. At present, treatment of pediatric multiple sclerosis is based on known treatments used in adult MS because little research has been performed on the treatment of children who suffer from MS. The six centers selected by the National MS Society represent a collaborative network that will perform clinical and basic science research to gain a better understanding of pediatric MS. The centers are mandated to provide effective therapies and the highest standards of treatment for children with MS. Collaborative efforts with researchers at the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) and in the Departments of Neuropsychology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York are also in progress.

Although we do not yet have a cure for MS, we do have therapies that have been shown to positively affect the natural course of MS by decreasing the number of attacks and slowing down the disease progression. It is creditable to note that the first therapy for MS (the beta interferons) was discovered here in Buffalo by the late Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, the founder of our Jacobs Neurological Institute. When considering management of MS in children, one has to keep in mind that children are not small adults and therefore therapies proven beneficial for adults should be evaluated in a supervised and well-controlled setting such as our Pediatric MS Network.

Financial Assistance:
Financial assistance is available for medical services, travel, and accommodations for qualifying families. For more information, please contact Mary Karpinski, our social worker, at:
(716) 859-1792 or
1-877-878-7367