Multiple Sclerosis Center at NNA
The Multiple Sclerosis Center at NNA provides comprehensive state-of-the art care for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of MS. Our center uses a multi-disciplinary team approach that implements current empirically supported MS protocols throughout the program to ensure the highest quality of patient care.
The Multiple Sclerosis Center at NNA has been managing patients for over 30 years. Our mission is to provide timely, compassionate, and innovative care for patients with MS and other related autoimmune diseases including neuromyelitis optica (NMO), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis (TM), neurosarcoidosis and CNS vasculitis, among others. A premium is placed upon increasing education, fostering seamless continuity of care with other allied medical professionals, increasing MS awareness, and advocating for patients and their families.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
MS is a chronic, unpredictable and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease whereby the body attacks myelin, the sheathing that insulates the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, and creates scars (sclerosis). The damaged myelin and nerve fibers cause nerve impulses to and from the brain to be distorted or interrupted, creating the symptoms. MS is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and more commonly in women. MS is not considered a fatal disease. Two thirds of people with MS do not become severely disabled and can walk with assistance. There is currently no known cure for MS, but there are a variety of new treatment options to slow the progression of the disease
Meet the NNA Multiple Sclerosis Center Team
Medical Director – Lawrence M Saltis, MD Dr. Saltis is a board certified neurologist and holds additional boards in Electromyography & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, as well as Sleep Medicine. He obtained his MD as well as advanced specialty training, education, served as Neurology Chief Resident as well as NIH funded fellow at Ohio State University. He has held academic faculty/clinical instructor appointments at Ohio State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University. He has special interests, clinical expertise and research experience in the treatment and management of Multiple Sclerosis. Neuropsychology Director – Eugenio A. Peluso, Ph.D., ABPP/CN Dr. Peluso is board certified clinical neuropsychologist, through the American Board of Professional Psychology and American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, who received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Creighton University and was the recipient of the Leo R. Kennedy award for excellence across all graduating seniors in the Department of Psychology. He earned his doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Saint Louis University with distinction, he completed his neuropsychology internship at the University of Chicago Medical Center; Department of Psychiatry and also completed an additional two year post-doctoral neuropsychology residency/fellowship at West Virginia University School of Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.Currently, he serves as the neuropsychology director at Unity Neurology and Neuroscience with a prior clinical appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Health Care Champion Award for the State of Ohio by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has held positions as Chair of the Healthcare Provider Council for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for the state of Ohio and Co-Chair for the states of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
MS Center Services
Neurology – Performs initial neurological evaluations, assists with differential diagnosis of MS related pathologies, and provides regular follow-up care to patients. Our neurologists develop individualized treatment plans within our MS protocols and coordinate other specialty services as needed.Neuropsychology – Performs baseline and serial cognitive/personality assessments over the course of a patient’s MS disease process. These evaluations complement one’s overall neurological care and also provide assistance with any other behavioral or social issues that are present.
Advanced Practice Nurses – Work in collaboration with the physicians to care for patients and provide education and support.
Advanced MRI – MRI testing in our onsite neuroimaging department is available for identification of MS pathology.
Infusion Suite – A special treatment room available for intravenous infusions and medication management specific for MS.
Fast Track scheduling – Is available for patients needing immediate specialized care and attention related to any acute changes to their MS disease course.
Spasticity Management Team – Dr. Saltis coordinates this program to assists patients who are impaired by muscle tightness and pain that often decrease one’s overall quality of life, mobility, and independence. He does this by way of oral medications, a baclofen pump, rehabilitation, or Botox injections.
Lifestyle & behavioral modifications – Our medical staff will work with patients to identify changes they can make in their daily lives to help minimize the effects of MS on daily functioning. NNA provides free monthly MS support groups and regular informational lectures for patients and their families.
MS Clinical Trials/Research Team – NNA’s Multiple Sclerosis Center is committed to remain at the forefront of advanced medical therapies. Through our participation in research studies, we aspire to improve the quality of life for people with neurological disorders. Our research program offers participants access to new treatments before they are generally available. Our ongoing partnership with major research sponsors, including internationally recognized health care organizations, enables us to enhance patients’ treatment and improve their lifestyles.
Coordination of other specialized services – We have strong relationships with other specialty providers in the community for advanced pain management, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitation, and cognitive rehabilitation that we will coordinate for patients as needed.
Helpful Websites
American Academy of Neurology – Multiple Sclerosis
http://patients.aan.com/disorders/index.cfm?event=view&disorder_id=998
National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Ohio Buckeye Chapter
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/OHA/index.aspx
National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Videos & DVDs
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/videos--dvds/index.aspx
National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Podcasts
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/ms-learn-online/index.aspx
National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Brochures
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/multimedia-library/brochures/index.aspx