Exploring Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Jessica Stulc
In this episode of the Neurology Now Podcast, host Pete Waggoner sits down with Dr. Jessica Stulc, a neurologist at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, to discuss the intricacies of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Dr. Stulc shares her journey to specializing in MS, which began during her early medical training when she joined a clinical trial. The conversation explores the increasing prevalence of MS, common symptoms, and the vital role of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs)—which Dr. Stulc likens to sunscreen, offering ongoing protection.
The episode also highlights the importance of neurological physical therapy in managing MS and improving quality of life. Dr. Stulc and Pete discuss coping mechanisms for both patients and their support circles, while pointing listeners to trusted resources such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Dr. Stulc emphasizes the value of early intervention and the importance of choosing the right treatment plan—insights that make this episode a must-listen for patients, families, and caregivers navigating the challenges of MS.
Takeaways:
- Multiple Sclerosis may be a life altering condition but patients have choices now when it comes to the drugs and treatments available.
- Apart from medications, physical therapy can play a great role in alleviating the effects of Multiple Sclerosis.
In this episode:
[1:03] Dr. Jessica Stulc shares about what drove her to choose Multiple Sclerosis as her area of specialization. She recounts her first exposure to the field of the disease which was through a clinical trial recommended by her professors.
[6:56] Pete and Dr. Stulc talk about the growing number of people suffering from MS, rising from 300,000 in the 90s to almost a million mark today. They also discuss the common symptoms which people should not shrug off such as numbness, weakness, and tingling.
[12:27] Dr. Stulc shares the good news when it comes to treating MS–the medications which are called the Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). She explains how these can help people living with MS by comparing it to sunscreen.
[20:37] Pete asks Dr. Jessica about the role that physical therapy plays in treating MS. Dr. Stulc emphasizes how it is one of the things a patient can do for their body to stay well while fighting the disease.
[24:48] Dr. Stulc and Pete talk about the coping mechanisms for both the people living with MS and their loved ones. Dr. Stulc shares about organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that offer a wealth of resources online.
Resources:
- Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology
- Jessica L. Stulc, M.D
- Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Bike MS
- Read Show Transcript
Quotes:
“It’s a good problem to have that we have (a) choice now but sometimes that choice can be overwhelming. But for me, for my patients, that’s kind of a statement that we now have drugs available and to get on it early is really my recommendation, and to watch that change.” – Dr. Jessica Stulc
