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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune illness affecting the central nervous system. Patients with MS require specialized attention to their medical, social and psychological needs that only a comprehensive center can provide.

The Shands Jacksonville Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Program - recognized by the north Florida chapter of the MS Society as the only center of excellence in north Florida - provides compassionate care that involves a team approach of medical specialists, all working together to provide MS patients with the highest quality of care and resources for the best possible outcome.

The program offers a one-stop-shopping approach to aggressively treating MS patients with resources such as:

• Expertise to develop the best treatment plan tailored to each patient's individual needs
• Expertise and technology of an academic medical center in using the latest in MS treatment and research
• Comprehensive and coordinated services - including physical, occupational and speech therapies, social services and psychological testing/counseling
• A dedicated MS research team of University of Florida physicians and residents, working to offer you the most promising and cutting edge MS treatments, available only in clinical trials
• Clinical trials
• A dedicated MS nurse practitioner to answer questions and implement treatment plans
• A dedicated social worker to coordinate outside services, emotional adjustment, and counseling, including pastoral support if requested
• Patient education
• Physician-led support groups for a variety of MS patients and their families including newly diagnosed, teens and young adults and young professionals
• Extending diagnostic possibilities to include other neuro-immunological diseases
• Second opinion service