Brigham Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the brain and central nervous system. It causes the immune system to attack the myelin layer of nerve fibers, disrupting the signals between the brain and body. This damage to nerves in different body parts can cause symptoms in those areas. The cause of MS is unknown.

Living with multiple sclerosis is unique to everyone, but many individuals require ongoing medication and various therapies to manage symptoms and reduce their impact on daily life. Mobility loss is common over time, and some may need canes or walkers. Depression rates are high among those with MS, and seeking support groups or counseling to address psychological and emotional difficulties can be beneficial as part of treatment plans.

Women

Women develop MS at higher rates than men. The Women’s Health Clinic at the Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center is focused on issues unique to female patients with multiple sclerosis and MS symptoms in women.

Pediatric

MS in children is possible, and our staff specializes in treating pediatric multiple sclerosis. The Mass General Brigham Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis helps children with MS and similar disorders. We have doctors specializing in caring for kids and teens with these conditions. Learn more about our pediatric MS providers.

Imaging Technologies

Our Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program is designed with the patient in mind. Our scanning center is located on the second lower level (L2) of the Hale Building for Transformative Medicine (60 Fenwood Road) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This location makes it easy for patients to get their scans done in the same building as the MS Center and infusion suite. The MRI center has very advanced equipment that obtains important images of the inside of the body for routine disease tracking and looking for signs of disease progression. The 7T MRI is a special machine that takes very high-quality images and is used for research that improves and advances patient care.

Multiple sclerosis treatments focus on managing symptoms, reducing attack duration, and slowing disease progression. Medications are the primary option, but physical and other therapies can help. Surgery is rarely used. Treatment is lifelong.

MS treatments include medications to manage symptoms like fatigue, pain, tremors, and spasticity. Some medications can also modify the disease course and help with relapses. Surgery is less common but can be used in cases where medication therapy is not effective. Some surgical procedures may help in medication-resistant therapy.

The latest in MS drug infusions are conveniently delivered on the ground floor of the Hale Building for Transformative Medicine in an 18-chair facility. Our state-of-the-art infusion suite is managed by our experienced Brigham and Women’s nurses, providing individualized care and support. The environment is bright and cheerful, making it a welcoming place to receive treatment.

Infusions are available Monday-Friday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm. Valet parking is available. Appointments may be scheduled or adjusted at 617-732-9983.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, collaborating with colleagues in other medical specialties. If your neurologist or neurosurgeon discovers an underlying illness or concern, you will be referred to an appropriate Brigham and Women’s Hospital physician or allied health professional for an expert evaluation.

The Multiple Sclerosis Center brings together physicians, clinical fellows, social workers, researchers, and other specialized MS medical staff to provide best-in-class care.

Our Neurology Team: 

• Rohit Bakshi, MD
• Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD
• Tanuja Chitnis, MD
• Sarah Conway, MD
• Maria Houtchens, MD
• Tamara Kaplan, MD
• Christopher Severson, MD
• Tarun Singhal, MD, MBBS
• Howard Weiner, MD
• Jonathan Zurawski, MD

Our dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff are committed to providing the best possible care. We have taken unprecedented steps to ensure that office visits, procedures and surgeries are welcoming and safe. Your health and safety are our top priority.

Viral illnesses can temporarily worsen MS symptoms, but there is no evidence that COVID-19 triggers an attack that causes new nervous system damage in MS patients. Those with MS should follow the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and exercise standard precautions to minimize infection risk. People with MS on immune-modifying or immune-suppressive medications should adhere to the same precautions but seek medical attention more readily for fever or cough. Continuing disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. Learn more about MS and COVID-19

Additional resources:

• National MS Society - Multiple Sclerosis & COVID-19 
• The CDC - COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters

NMSS-NMAC Statement:

The CDC is following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), which causes a respiratory disease. This is an evolving situation, and questions regarding using disease-modifying therapies during this outbreak are being raised.

The National MS Society’s National Medical Advisory Committee recommends the following:

1. People with MS should follow CDC guidelines and these additional recommendations for people at risk for serious illnesses from COVID-19
2. People with MS should continue DMTs and discuss specific risks with their MS healthcare provider prior to stopping a DMT
3. Before starting a cell-depleting DMT or a DMT that carries warnings of a potentially severe increase in disability after stopping, people with MS and their MS healthcare providers should consider specific risks (e.g. age, comorbid health conditions, location) and benefits

Mass General Brigham is a global leader in translational and basic research studying the causes and cures for MS. From bench to bedside, we aim to revolutionize the treatment and prevention of brain disorders by bringing scientific and medical disciplines together.

Read the latest research from our programs and laboratories.

Learn about the latest advances in Multiple Sclerosis clinical trials.