In this episode of Neurology Now, host Pete Waggoner and guest Dr. Jessica Stulc explore the intricacies of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Dr. Stulc shares her path to specializing in MS after joining a clinical trial in her early years of studying medicine. The dialogue covers the escalating MS prevalence, its symptoms, and the vital role of Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) likened to sunscreen. Dr. Stulc also highlights the importance of physical therapy in MS care. The two delve into the coping mechanisms for patients and their support circles, citing resources like the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Dr. Stulc underscores early intervention and treatment choice, wrapping up an enlightening episode.
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