Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

The Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Clinic is one of the largest and most comprehensive programs for multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuroimmunology care and research worldwide — with more than 20,000 patient visits yearly. Our experts use the latest research-based treatments to provide personalized care for your unique physical, emotional, cognitive and rehabilitation needs. And our research continues to shed new light on MS each year. At our Las Vegas location, we also offer an array of support and resources to help you and your care partners manage MS.

What’s Unique about the Mellen Center for MS in Nevada?

Over 30 years ago, an MS diagnosis offered little hope. But in 1993, the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for MS was approved. Finally, people with MS had a treatment option. Today, more than 20 DMTs are available, and our team can guide you through which one might be best for you.

We’re the only National Multiple Sclerosis Society-designated Parter in Care in Southern Nevada and Nevada’s only member of the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC).

Our fellowship-trained MS neurologists understand that recognizing the different symptoms of MS can be challenging — especially when many symptoms are invisible. The most important step is ruling out other causes, and we’re here to help you do just that. Early and expert diagnosis means you can start treatment for multiple sclerosis right away, which can reduce the risk of future disability.

We also offer comprehensive treatments beyond drug therapies, like physical, occupational, speech and music therapy. All of these programs are conveniently located on our Las Vegas campus.

Complimentary resources

Established by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the Fajardo Patient Services Program at Cleveland Clinic Nevada honors Gloria’s father, who died of MS. It offers patients, their families and other loved ones complimentary:

• Transportation to medical appointments at Cleveland Clinic.
• Yoga for MS.
• Support groups for care partners, families and other loved ones.
• Access to a dedicated patient services coordinator for help with non-medical issues.

And, thanks to a robust philanthropy program at Cleveland Clinic Nevada, we also offer many other caregiver resources.

Need Care For MS?

Cleveland Clinic Nevada’s neurology specialists can help you navigate MS and manage your health conveniently and close to home.

• Find the care you need.

What We Treat

Multiple sclerosis and other related disorders treated at Cleveland Clinic’s Las Vegas location:

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
• Autoimmune encephalitis.
• Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis.
• Limbic encephalitis.
• Optic neuritis.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
• Neurosarcoid.
• Transverse myelitis.
• White matter abnormalities on brain MRI.

Our Approach

At Cleveland Clinic Nevada, we address multiple sclerosis and myelitis through two important steps:

1. Accurate diagnosis.
2. Expert disease management.

Each component — diagnosis and ongoing disease management — requires unique neurological specialization. We have carefully composed our teams to give you the greatest access to the most relevant experts at each step in the continuum of your care.

Our doctors lead the diagnostic aspect of your care; our advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners, physician assistants) lead the disease management aspect of your care. Throughout the course of your care, all members of your neurology team are in ongoing communication within their team and with colleagues across multiple disciplines, collaborating to provide world class comprehensive care for patients, families and care partners.

• Watch our providers talking about the collaborative services in which they engage.

What to expect from us

At Cleveland Clinic Nevada, we strive to:

• Treat your conditions and keep your brain as healthy as possible.
• Provide a support system for you and your loved ones.
• Offer you and your loved ones opportunities to participate in clinical research.

Learn more in our Patient Guide, which was conceived by our patient and family advisory council.

Our Providers

Carrie Hersh, DO

Staff

Le Hua, MD

Staff

Erin Wilkinson, CNP

Certified Nurse Practitioner

Research

Clinical trials

At its Las Vegas location, Cleveland Clinic has conducted more than 80 trials in MS and other neurological brain disorders.

At Cleveland Clinic Nevada, we’re striving to advance MS treatment from multiple angles, notably:

• Reparative studies: evaluating the possibility of repairing the mechanisms that drive disability such as remyelination.
• Clinical trials of novel therapies: offering emerging disease-modifying therapies and symptomatic medicines with unique mechanisms of action for controlling disease activity and symptoms.
• Duration of treatment: looking at how long patients need to be on a specific treatment while evaluating age as an additional factor; what would be the outcomes following discontinuation?
• Optimizing treatment approaches to reduce disability: evaluating the importance of early high-efficacy treatment compared to traditional approaches.
• Comparative effectiveness outcomes: conducting clinical observational research studies to learn how patients comparatively benefit from various FDA-approved treatment strategies.
• Health and wellness: creating individualized health and wellness visits to maximize comprehensive care of the entire person living with MS.

Learn more about how to participate in a clinical trial.

Care Partner Resources

Multiple sclerosis, myelitis and other related conditions challenge families and other loved ones. As care partners for their loved ones, they often feel stressed — especially when they don’t know much about the condition or how to be a caregiver.

At Cleveland Clinic Nevada, we’re more than just your doctor’s office. You’ll get free daily online programs to help you learn what you need to know and feel supported. There are in-person options, too. Why? Because knowledge is power, and education makes for better outcomes for patients and their care partners.

• Learn more about the caregiver resources you’ll find at Cleveland Clinic Nevada.

Appointments

Quality patient care is of utmost importance at Cleveland Clinic. Many of the treatment options offered by our center require multiple evaluations. Scheduling these appointments with the appropriate providers can be challenging to navigate. That is why our staff developed a comprehensive system that walks new patients through our care process from the initial phone call to the final evaluation.

Learn more about scheduling an appointment with Cleveland Clinic Nevada and accepted insurances.