The Rowe Neurology philosophy of MS care
- We make sure of a correct diagnosis.
- We treat each patient as aggressively as necessary to control their disease.
- We don’t blame every problem on MS.
- We listen closely and treat the whole patient.
- We recommend participation in Clinical Trials of New Therapies.
Quality of life should be the priority
MS patients need neurologists and caregivers who are truly dedicated to MS, simply because Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most challenging neurological disorders to treat. Things change so rapidly. A patient’s disease can be steady for months and then change overnight. Medicine’s understanding of MS is constantly changing as well, with new research published every month and new medical options becoming available.
It is not enough for a neurologist to prescribe a drug for MS patients. Close monitoring and proactive care are essential.
Proactive care is key to prevent downward spiral
Weakness begets weakness, if we let it. Pharmaceuticals are very important, but MS patients’ quality of life depends on many factors besides what can be seen on an MRI scan or in lab results.
We have found that the impairments that MS causes have a way of spiraling, and feeding on themselves, if we don’t take proactive steps to keep patients as strong as possible.
The RNI approach to MS treatment
We provide patients with multiple sclerosis a range of comprehensive treatment options ranging from medications to exercise therapy to our own research studies.
For many patients with MS, the first obstacle is accurate diagnosis. Because our neurologists are specialists in MS, they have the expertise to diagnose or rule out MS quickly. We also have our own MRI center that provides us with the information we need to make a careful evaluation. We are also able to administer complex tests, saving our patients trips to multiple locations.
Once diagnosis is complete, we want our patients to have access to a full range of services. We can help find the most effective MS medications and monitor their effectiveness regularly. Because MS patients often experience sleep problems, our sleep center is another resource for comprehensive care. And we have an in-house infusion center for the convenience of our patients, especially now with new infusion therapies.
Our interest in MS goes beyond routine treatment options. We regularly participate in clinical trials that give our MS specialists and patients access to new information and treatments. The Institute is also conducting ongoing research into the treatment of MS, such as our studies of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate and our research into the relationship between MS and sleep disorders.
Dr. Vernon Rowe has a web-based informational website that provide in-depth information about each of the neurological conditions that we specialize in, including informational videos with transcripts that are unlike anything else on the web–they are NOT SPONSORED by any pharmaceutical company or other commercial entity. See it at DOCTORROWE.COM. The information provided will help you navigate your care wherever you go, with knowledge about the questions you should ask your doctor, and the tests that may be recommended, as well as some tips on how to obtain cost effective care, wherever you live.
by Vernon Rowe, M.D. – Dr. Rowe on Google+