The Upstate Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center, a leading provider of care for people living with multiple sclerosis in Syracuse, has been officially recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.

Upstate is one of only three centers in the state to receive this recognition.

This formal recognition honors Upstate's commitment to high-quality MS care. The Comprehensive MS Care Center distinction is appointed by a local and national committee, and the organization must demonstrate a coordinated, multi-disciplinary care for MS. Upstate Neurology’s clinicians continually demonstrate a wealth of knowledge, experience, and the important attention to detail necessary in treating people living with MS.

“We are proud to partner with SUNY Upstate Neurology to enhance coordinated, comprehensive care for the people who live with MS in Syracuse, NY,” said Stephanie Kunes, president, National MS Society, Upstate New York. “In earning this recognition, the Upstate Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in MS care, making a tremendous impact on the nearly 1 million people living with MS in our country.”

“We are pleased to receive this recognition of our care from the National MS Society,” said Corey McGraw, MD, MS fellowship-trained board-certified neurologist and a member of the Upstate faculty. “This designation reflects the dedication of our health care teams in providing the best care and support for our patients.”

Upstate provides diagnostic and management services for adults and older children with MS, possible MS, other demyelinating diseases (e.g. transverse myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, neuromyelitis optica, MOG-associated disease) and related disorders (e.g. sarcoid, vasculitis, central nervous system auto-immune diseases.

State-of-the-art neuro-imaging (especially MRI) assists with accurate diagnosis as well as aiding MS management.

Upstate is also engaged in clinical and translational MS research, including experimental clinical trials and epidemiological studies.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness and tingling, to walking difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, pain, depression, blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. A study led by the National MS Society estimates that nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States; twice as many than previously thought.

Individuals interested in an evaluation should contact their clinician. Referrals may be faxed to 315-464-7328.

Participating in the plaque presentation designating Upstate as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care are, from left, Kimberly Laxton, MD; Deb Bedford, NP, Stephanie L. Kunes, LMSW, president and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Upstate New York Chapter; Corey McGraw, MD; Meredith Sheehan, MSSMC, MSCIR, National MS Society; and Sandy Gibson, PA MSCS.