Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, lifelong disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which your body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.

The CNS includes your brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In MS, the immune system targets the protective coating around nerve fibers, disrupting how your brain and body communicate.

Grand Rapids residents living with MS can access specialized diagnosis and treatment through major local health systems, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as support from the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs.

What Happens in MS?

Autoimmune Response

MS is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system, which normally protects you from infections, mistakenly attacks parts of your own body.

In MS, it attacks the fatty material called myelin that insulates and protects nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Demyelination

This damage to myelin is called demyelination.

Healthy myelin works like the plastic coating around an electrical cord. It allows nerve signals (messages) to travel quickly and efficiently. When myelin is damaged:

  • Inflammation occurs
  • Scar tissue forms (called plaques or lesions)
  • Nerve signals slow down, get distorted, or are blocked

The term multiple sclerosis literally means “many scars,” referring to these areas of scarring in the CNS.

Demyelination can happen anywhere in the central nervous system, which is why everyone’s experience of MS is different.

How MS Affects the Brain Over Time

After demyelination, the brain tries to repair the damage and reduce inflammation. It may also reroute messages through undamaged areas, similar to taking a detour when your usual highway is closed for roadwork.

However, this repair is often incomplete. Over time:

  • Some nerve fibers are permanently damaged
  • Brain volume can slowly shrink (brain atrophy)

All adults lose a small amount of brain volume with normal aging, but in many people with untreated MS, brain atrophy can occur faster. Modern MS treatments aim to:

  • Prevent new lesions
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Slow or prevent irreversible damage and brain atrophy

Researchers, including teams connected with major Michigan and Midwest academic centers, are actively studying ways to repair damaged myelin and further improve long‑term outcomes.

How Common Is MS?

  • More than 2.8 million people worldwide live with MS
  • In the United States, MS is a leading cause of non‑traumatic disability in young adults
  • MS is typically diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but children and older adults can also be affected
  • Around three-quarters of people with MS are women

In Michigan and the Great Lakes region, MS appears more frequently than in many southern states, likely related to latitude and lower year‑round sun exposure, which can affect vitamin D levels.

In the Grand Rapids metro area, with a population of over 200,000, that means hundreds of individuals are living with MS and receiving care through local neurologists and MS specialty clinics.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

Understanding your type of MS can help you and your Grand Rapids MS care team choose the most appropriate treatment and plan for the future.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

  • The most common type at diagnosis (about 85% of people with MS)
  • Characterized by clearly defined relapses (also called flare‑ups or attacks) of new or worsening symptoms
  • Followed by periods of remission, when symptoms partially or completely improve

During remission:

  • The disease may appear stable
  • Some symptoms may disappear
  • Others may persist or gradually worsen

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)

SPMS usually develops after an initial relapsing‑remitting phase.

  • Over time, there is a gradual worsening of disability
  • Relapses and partial recoveries may still occur, but between them the disease steadily progresses

The shift from RRMS to SPMS:

  • Does not follow a set timeframe
  • May take many years or even decades
  • Can be emotionally and medically challenging to pinpoint

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

  • In PPMS, symptoms worsen from the beginning without clear relapses and remissions
  • Disability gradually increases over time
  • About 10–15% of people with MS have PPMS

Active vs Inactive Disease

Your neurologist in Grand Rapids may describe your MS as:

  • Active – new lesions on MRI, relapses, or clear evidence of progression
  • Inactive or not active – no current signs of new disease activity

This helps guide treatment decisions, including adjustments to disease‑modifying therapies (DMTs).

Symptoms of MS

MS symptoms vary widely from person to person and can change over time. They depend on which parts of the CNS are affected and how severe the damage is.

No two people with MS experience the disease in exactly the same way.

Common MS Symptoms

Symptoms may fluctuate from day to day and can interact with each other. Some are visible, while others are “invisible” to those around you.

Motor and Balance Symptoms

  • Difficulty walking
  • Problems with balance or coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle stiffness, spasms, or tremors
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Slurred or slowed speech
  • Swallowing difficulties

Fatigue

  • Severe, persistent tiredness that is not relieved by rest
  • Often worsened by heat (important during humid West Michigan summers)
  • Can affect physical, mental, and emotional functioning

Sensory Symptoms

  • Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”)
  • Burning, stabbing, or electric‑shock‑like pain
  • Increased sensitivity to heat or cold (relevant in cold Grand Rapids winters and hot summers)
  • Tightness or “band‑like” sensations

Visual Problems

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain with eye movement
  • Changes in depth perception
  • Partial or complete loss of vision (often in one eye) due to optic neuritis

Bladder and Bowel Changes

  • Urgency (strong, sudden need to urinate)
  • Needing to urinate more frequently, including at night
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Leakage or incontinence
  • Constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea

Sexual Dysfunction

  • Reduced sexual desire
  • Difficulty achieving or maintaining arousal
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Reduced sensation

Cognitive Symptoms

  • “Brain fog”
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Slower thinking or processing speed
  • Difficulty with planning, organizing, or multitasking
  • Short‑term memory problems

Mood and Sleep Symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability or emotional changes
  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

MS is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing adjustment, monitoring, and resilience. It also affects family members, friends, and caregivers, who may benefit from education and support through local resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County.

What Causes MS?

There is no single known cause of MS. Instead, research suggests a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Genetics

  • Certain genes are associated with a higher risk of developing MS
  • Having a close relative with MS slightly increases your risk, but MS is not directly inherited in most cases

Infections

Several viruses have been linked to an increased risk of MS, including:

  • Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which causes mononucleosis (“mono”)
  • Other viral infections that may influence how the immune system behaves

Geographical Location and Latitude

MS is more common in areas farther from the equator, including northern states like Michigan. This is known as the latitudinal gradient.

The reasons are not fully understood, but may be related to:

  • Lower year‑round sun exposure
  • Lower vitamin D levels

Vitamin D

  • Studies show a correlation between low vitamin D levels and increased MS risk
  • Low vitamin D may also worsen outcomes after diagnosis
  • In West Michigan, long, cloudy winters and limited sunlight can contribute to lower vitamin D levels

Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider may recommend checking vitamin D levels and discussing safe supplementation.

Smoking

  • Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing MS
  • In people with MS, smoking is linked to faster disease progression

If you smoke, your MS team and local resources such as Kent County Health Department smoking cessation programs can help you quit.

How Is MS Diagnosed in Grand Rapids?

Diagnosing MS can be challenging because early symptoms—such as fatigue, clumsiness, numbness, or vision problems—can occur in many other conditions.

There is no single test for MS. Instead, neurologists use a combination of:

  • Your medical history
  • Neurological examination
  • MRI scans
  • Sometimes lumbar puncture and other tests

In Grand Rapids, MS diagnosis and care are typically coordinated through neurology departments at:

  • Spectrum Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health

Key Diagnostic Tools

Neurological Examination

A neurologist will:

  • Test cranial nerves (vision, facial muscles, hearing, etc.)
  • Check reflexes
  • Assess muscle strength and tone
  • Evaluate sensation (touch, temperature, vibration, pain)
  • Assess balance, coordination, and walking pattern (gait)
  • Review speech and eye movements

Blood Tests

  • Used mainly to rule out other causes of your symptoms (such as vitamin deficiencies, infections, or autoimmune conditions that can mimic MS)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • MRI of the brain and spinal cord looks for plaques or lesions caused by demyelination
  • Contrast dye may be used to identify active inflammation

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

  • A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken from your lower back
  • CSF is examined for specific proteins and immune markers that support a diagnosis of MS and help rule out other diseases

Neurophysiology Tests (Evoked Potentials)

  • Measure the electrical activity of the brain in response to visual, auditory, or sensory stimuli
  • Can detect nerve pathway damage that may not be visible on MRI

McDonald Criteria

To confirm MS, neurologists use international guidelines called the McDonald criteria, which look for evidence that:

  • Lesions occurred at different points in time (“disseminated in time”)
  • Lesions are in different parts of the CNS (“disseminated in space”)

Early diagnosis and early treatment are associated with better long‑term outcomes. If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are experiencing possible MS symptoms, prompt evaluation by your primary care provider and referral to a neurologist is important.

What Is an MS Relapse?

A relapse (also called an attack, flare, or exacerbation) is:

  • A relatively sudden episode of new symptoms, or
  • A clear worsening of existing symptoms

To be considered a relapse, symptoms must:

  • Last more than 24 hours, and
  • Not be explained by other causes such as infection, fever, or overheating (for example, during hot and humid West Michigan summer days)

Relapse Pattern

  • Symptoms usually develop over 1–7 days
  • They may stabilize (plateau) for several weeks
  • Recovery can take weeks to months, and may be complete or partial

Relapse frequency and severity are highly variable. Some people have infrequent mild relapses; others may have more frequent or severe episodes.

If you think you are having a relapse:

  • Contact your MS neurologist, MS nurse, or GP as soon as possible
  • Early assessment can help guide treatment, such as:
    • Short courses of steroids to reduce inflammation
    • Rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational, or speech therapy)
    • Adjustments to your disease‑modifying treatment

Keeping a symptom diary—noting onset, duration, and triggers—can help your Grand Rapids MS care team manage your condition more effectively.

Relapses sometimes indicate that your current treatment may not be adequately controlling disease activity.

How Is MS Treated?

There is currently no cure for MS, but there are many effective treatments that can:

  • Reduce the number and severity of relapses
  • Decrease inflammation
  • Slow the formation of new lesions
  • Help preserve brain volume and function
  • Improve quality of life

In the United States, there are numerous disease‑modifying therapies (DMTs) approved for:

  • Relapsing‑remitting MS (RRMS)
  • Some forms of secondary progressive MS (SPMS)
  • One for primary progressive MS (PPMS)

Your neurologist in Grand Rapids will help you choose a therapy based on:

  • Type of MS
  • Disease activity
  • MRI findings
  • Other health conditions
  • Your preferences and lifestyle

Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs)

DMTs can be given:

  • By injection (under the skin or into muscle)
  • Orally (tablets or capsules)
  • By intravenous infusion at a hospital or infusion center (for example, at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids)

Because some DMTs can have significant side effects or require regular lab monitoring, they are usually managed by a specialist MS healthcare team that may include:

  • Neurologist
  • MS nurse
  • Pharmacist
  • Other allied health professionals

Studies show that early diagnosis and early use of DMTs can improve long‑term outcomes.

Your MS Care Team in Grand Rapids

If you have been diagnosed with MS, your care is usually shared between:

  • MS specialist team (neurologist and MS nurse)
  • Primary care provider (GP/family doctor)
  • Allied health professionals, which may include:
    • Occupational therapist
    • Physiotherapist (physical therapist)
    • Psychologist or counselor
    • Speech therapist
    • Continence nurse
    • Social worker

Together, you will discuss:

  • The goals of your treatment (e.g., reducing relapses, maintaining independence)
  • Which DMTs may be suitable for you
  • Pros and cons and possible side effects of each option
  • How your current treatment is working (through regular follow‑up visits and MRI scans)

Where possible, it is recommended to have:

  • At least one MRI per year to check for new lesions or disease activity
  • Regular treatment reviews (often every 6–12 months)

Shared decision‑making—where you and your healthcare team make choices together—leads to better satisfaction and health outcomes.

Lifestyle and “Brain Health” Strategies

Medical treatments work best when combined with healthy lifestyle choices. In Grand Rapids, your MS team may recommend:

  • Not smoking – quitting is one of the most important steps you can take
  • Healthy diet – balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
  • Weight management – maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints and improves mobility
  • Regular physical activity – tailored exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or physical therapy programs
  • Staying mentally active – puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or cognitive training
  • Managing stress – mindfulness, counseling, support groups, or relaxation techniques

Managing Michigan Weather and Temperature Sensitivity

Many people with MS are sensitive to temperature changes:

  • Heat sensitivity – symptoms may worsen in hot, humid weather (common in West Michigan summers)
  • Cold sensitivity – stiffness and pain may increase in cold winters

Strategies may include:

  • Staying in air‑conditioned environments during heat waves
  • Cooling vests or neck wraps
  • Layered clothing in winter
  • Warm‑up and stretching before going outside in the cold
  • Discussing specific coping strategies with your MS team

Complementary Therapies and MS

Some people explore complementary therapies alongside standard medical treatment, such as:

  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Yoga or tai chi
  • Meditation or relaxation training
  • Certain supplements

Important points:

  • Always talk to your MS healthcare team before starting any complementary therapy
  • Some supplements or treatments can interact with medications
  • Be cautious of any “miracle cure” claims or treatments not supported by evidence

Complementary therapies should support, not replace, proven MS treatments.

Local MS Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, support is available through:

  • Neurology and MS specialty clinics at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Primary care providers (family doctors and internists)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs for:
    • Smoking cessation
    • Nutrition and wellness
    • Mental health and counseling referrals
  • Local and national MS organizations (for education, support groups, and advocacy)

Ask your neurologist or MS nurse for up‑to‑date local contacts, support groups, and rehabilitation services in West Michigan.

Key Points About MS

  • MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system
  • It involves demyelination, causing inflammation and scarring (“many scars”)
  • Everyone’s MS is different; symptoms and progression vary widely
  • MS is a leading cause of disability in young adults
  • There are several types of MS: RRMS, SPMS, and PPMS
  • Modern disease‑modifying therapies can reduce relapses and slow progression
  • Early diagnosis and early treatment improve long‑term outcomes
  • Healthy lifestyle choices—including vitamin D awareness, not smoking, and staying active—are especially important in northern climates like Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Ongoing partnership with your MS care team and use of local resources can help you live as fully and independently as possible with MS