MS Blog & Podcast

Stem cells have the extraordinary ability to transform into different types of cells and renew themselves—offering new hope in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. One of the most advanced approaches—autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT)—involves collecting a patient’s own bone marrow stem cells, using chemotherapy to wipe out their faulty immune system, and then reinfusing the stem cells to help rebuild it. A more aggressive “myeloablative” approach can effectively halt relapses and new MRI activity but carries serious risks, including life-threatening infections. A gentler “immunoablative” method reduces these risks but allows for a return of MS activity in up to 25% of patients. AHSCT is typically reserved for younger individuals with aggressive relapsing disease and moderate or milder disability.

Mesenchymal stem cells—derived from fat, bone marrow support tissue, or dental pulp—have shown mixed results. A large international trial found no benefit when delivered intravenously, although the treatment was safe. However, a smaller study using repeated injections into the spinal fluid showed disease stabilization in most participants. New research is now exploring neural stem cells, which may help protect and repair the brain and spinal cord. A recent Phase 1 trial involving 15 people with secondary progressive MS found reduced inflammation in blood and spinal fluid markers and less brain shrinkage on MRI scans following neural stem cells given into the spinal fluid spaces of the brain. Tune in as we unpack the science, the risks, and the exciting future of stem cell therapies in MS.

This episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics.

Stefano Pluchino MD PhD

Stefano Pluchino MD PhD is a Clinical Professor of Regenerative Neuroimmunology and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, within the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, UK. He obtained his MD and PhD in Experimental Neuroscience at the University of Siena in Italy. His groundbreaking laboratory research on Regenerative Neuroimmunology has led to 250 publications in international journals.

Mark Freedman MD

Mark Freedman MD is Professor of Medicine in the field of neurology at the University of Ottawa, Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit at the Ottawa Hospital, and a Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. Dr. Freedman holds his Masters Degree in Molecular Neurochemistry and continued his postgraduate work specializing in neurology and neuroimmunology. Dr. Freedman has published over 250 pieces, including articles, books, book chapters and abstracts. He is also the lead investigator in the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Study in MS and co-chair of the International Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Study Group.

Most people living with multiple sclerosis explore complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) as part of their care. Complementary therapies—such as supplements, special diets, or mind-body practices—are used alongside disease-modifying treatments (DMTs), while alternative therapies are chosen instead of them. In this episode, we dive into commonly used CAM approaches, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplements like turmeric and alpha-lipoic acid, as well as dietary strategies like the Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, and modified paleo.

We also explore mind-body therapies—yoga, stretching, Pilates, and meditation—that may reduce stress, enhance well-being, and even lower inflammation. Plus, we examine alternative treatments such as low-dose naltrexone (LDN), CCSVI procedures, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, along with the potential risks of bypassing conventional care. Thoughtfully chosen and openly discussed with your healthcare team, CAM can play a meaningful supportive role in living well with MS.

This podcast episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics.

Elizabeth Silbermann MD

Elizabeth Silbermann MD is the MS Regional Director of the VA Portland HCS* and is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health and Science University. She received her medical degree at Brown University and completed a residency in neurology at Washington University. She also completed a Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowship through the National MS Society in neuroimmunology at Oregon Health and Science University at the Portland VA. She received a Masters in Clinical Research through Oregon Health & Science University.

Daniel Bandari MD

Daniel Bandari MD is the Medical Director and the Founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of California Clinic, Research Group and Infusion Center located in Laguna Hills, California in Orange County. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neuro-immunology and the previous director of the MS Center at the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Bandari completed his residency in Neurology at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles and his fellowship training in neuro-immunology and multiple sclerosis at USC.

*Dr. Silbermann completed this study and published results before her current position at the VA. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government.

Barry Singer MD

On May 12, 2025, Dr. Barry Singer was awarded the 2025 Mission Honoree by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) at the Improving Lives Benefit in Philadelphia.  Dr. Singer reflected: “Being recognized for my commitment to advocating for those living with multiple sclerosis was an unforgettable moment in my career.”

For the past nine years, he has served on the MSAA Board of Directors including chairing the Development Subcommittee and serving on the Executive Committee. The MSAA is a lifeline for so many, offering essential resources like a helpline, free MRI scans, durable medical equipment, and timely information for the MS community.

Dr. Singer started mslivingwell.org in 2008 to empower people with MS. Seven years ago, the MS Living Well podcast followed, bringing insight from global expert insights and amazing patient advocates. In 2008, he also founded The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, which cares for over 4,000 MS patients across the Midwest.

Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA president and CEO, and Barry Singer MD

Dr. Singer accepting the 2025 Mission Honoree Award.

2025 MSAA Board of Directors

Living with multiple sclerosis brings unique challenges to brain health, but there are powerful steps you can take to support and protect your mind. Exercise not only improves endurance and reduces fatigue, but also helps rewire brain networks to promote resilience. Restorative sleep is essential, as it helps clear inflammation in the brain—so addressing disrupted sleep is a must. Nourish yourself with fruits and vegetables while cutting out sugary drinks and highly processed meats. Strengthen your social connections and lean on your support circle. When it comes to managing stress, discover what works best for you, whether it’s music, yoga, meditation, or a favorite hobby.

MS can cause the brain to shrink faster than normal—a process called atrophy—so protecting your brain reserves is crucial. Starting with effective disease-modifying therapy is key, but it doesn’t stop there. Keep your brain engaged by reading, learning a new language, or picking up an instrument. If you smoke, creating a plan to quit is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce physical and cognitive decline. While MS can be unpredictable, you have the power to shape your brain health and preserve what matters most.

This podcast episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics.

Lisa Doggett MD MPH

Lisa Doggett MD MPH is a family and lifestyle medicine physician at UT Health Austin’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center. She trained at Amherst College, Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas School of Public Health, and completed her family medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati. She is the author of the award-winning memoir Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Augusto Miravelle MD

Augusto Miravalle MD is Chief of the Multiple Sclerosis Center and Professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at Rush University in Chicago. He completed his neurology residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a fellowship in neuroimmunology at Harvard University’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

Progressive symptoms are a common part of the multiple sclerosis (MS) journey, affecting nearly 50% of individuals at some point in their disease course. These symptoms can present in various ways, including worsening mobility, balance issues, cognitive changes, and sensory disturbances. Because progression often stems from a combination of underlying factors, effective treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach—combining lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication.

In this episode of MS Living Well, we take a deep dive into the diagnosis and management of progressive MS symptoms. The discussion begins with a look at the latest clinical data on available and emerging treatment options, then transitions into real-world insights on patient care in the clinic.

Jameson Holloman MD

We are also thrilled to introduce our new co-host for this season: Dr. Jamie Holloman! Dr. Holloman completed a three-year MS fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic following his neurology residency at Washington University. He recently joined the MS Center for Innovations in Care, bringing fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the MS Living Well team.

Barry Singer MD

In this episode, Dr. Holloman interviews his colleague and mentor, Barry Singer MD, about current and upcoming therapies for disease progression in MS. Their conversation includes a spotlight on tolebrutinib, an experimental medication currently under expedited FDA review for the treatment of secondary progressive MS.

Christopher LaGanke MD

Later, Dr. Holloman speaks with Christopher LaGanke MD, founder of North Central Neurology Associates in Cullman, Alabama—a leading site for MS clinical trials. Dr. LeGanke shares his clinical approach to managing progressive symptoms. A dedicated physician and researcher, Dr. LeGanke received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College and completed his training at the University of Alabama, including a two-year neuroimmunology fellowship in MS. He also founded the Joanne P. LaGanke MS Center, named in honor of his mother.

Join us for an insightful conversation that blends cutting-edge science with compassionate, practical care!

This episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics.

This month, artificial intelligence officially stepped into my practice with Abridge through Epic—and the impact has been immediate.

What’s Different?
The Patient’s Voice, Unfiltered
For the first time, my notes reflect what my patients say—not just my interpretation. Instead of brief summarizing, I now see rich, colorful details:
“I can walk out to the barn and back, about 100 yards.”
“My legs aren’t worth a damn.”
It’s like having a neutral observer ensuring every nuance makes it into the chart.
More Listening, Less Typing
Freed from note-taking and microphone dictation, I can be fully present. I engage more, listen deeper, and focus entirely on my patient—because AI captures the details for me.
Massive Time Saver
In just two weeks, my workday has shrunk by over an hour per day. That means home for dinner, less after-hours charting, and a better quality of life.

What’s Improving?
AI That Learns Quickly
At first, my notes missed key discussions—like the risks of MS medications. Two weeks in? It’s now seamlessly documenting them. So who’s adapting faster—the AI or me?
A “Wow” Moment
AI even caught a subtle joke:
“Humorously, his wife might disagree about his memory.”
The patient and I were stunned—and maybe a little freaked out. It’s artificial intelligence, after all.

What’s the Catch?
A brief delay in note generation left me wondering: Is my entire appointment floating in the cloud? Also, after a year of AI learning my approach to care, I can’t help but ask… could I be replaced??

Ardra Shephard

Facing the first symptoms and a new MS diagnosis can be terrifying, leaving you with a flood of questions about your future. How do you navigate your career, relationships, and whether to start a family? The uncertainty can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Support from loved ones and connections with others living with MS can help light the way.

As MS progresses, the mental challenges often intensify. The battle to accept mobility aids—devices that many resist—can feel like a loss, but in reality, they can expand your world. In this episode, we dive deep into the mental strategies to better cope with MS. Two inspiring advocates living with MS describe embracing change, turning their struggles into stories of strength, adaptability and hope.

This podcast episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics.

Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews:

Ardra Shephard is a writer, podcaster, and television host based in Toronto, Canada. Known for her award-winning blog and podcast Tripping On Air, Ardra shares her personal reflections of living with multiple sclerosis in a candid and relatable way. She is also the host of Fashion Dis, a television series that highlights adaptive fashion, showcasing the creative solutions available for people living with disability.

Tyler Campbell

Tyler Campbell is a professional inspirational speaker, devoted husband, and father from Austin, Texas. Once a college football player at San Diego State University, Tyler’s life took a turn when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Today, he plays an active role in his family’s thriving business, which ranks as a top 10 sausage company in the U.S.

In this era of highly effective treatments, early intervention for multiple sclerosis can be life changing. However, the wide range of initial symptoms often leads to many people being undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving them without the proper care for years. In this podcast episode, we’ll discuss the early signs of MS and the key tests, such as specific MRI and spinal fluid results, that are crucial for a timely and accurate diagnosis.

Criteria to diagnose MS continues to evolve to help make a diagnosis more swiftly and correctly. Specific MRI findings in the brain and spinal cord can allow for an immediate diagnosis of MS with the first attack. Brand-new updates highlight the role of the optic nerve and even offer a path to diagnosing MS in people who show no neurological symptoms. With so much at stake, a timely and accurate diagnosis of MS is more important than ever.

This podcast episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics and Neuraxpharm.

Xavier Montalban MD PhD

Xavier Montalban MD PhD is the Chair of Neurology and Director of CEMCAT (Multiple Sclerosis Center of Catalonia) at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.  He has served as Chair of the International Medical & Scientific Board of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation and President of the European of the Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).  Professor Montalban has been in the inception phases and on steering committees of numerous clinical trials related to multiple sclerosis.  He is a leading researcher on MRI and biologic prognostic factors of disease evolution and treatment response.

Léorah Freeman MD PhD is an assistant professor in the Dell Medical School Department of Neurology and neurologist in the UT Health Austin Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center.  Dr. Freeman earned both her medical degree and doctorate from Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, France. She completed a residency in neurology at Assistance Publique – Hopitaux de Paris and a MS fellowship at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Hôpital La Pitié Salpêtrière in Paris, France. She also completed a post-doctoral research training in neuroimaging at the Brain and Spine Institute in Paris, France. Her current research focuses on the application of advanced imaging techniques to determine the mechanisms driving disability progression in multiple sclerosis.

The spinal cord serves as the main communication highway between the brain and body. Did you know that 80% of people with multiple sclerosis have spinal cord lesions on MRI? These lesions can disrupt specific neural pathways, leading to common MS symptoms like numbness, weakness, impaired coordination, balance issues, bladder problems, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. For instance, damage to the corticospinal tract on one side of the spinal cord can weaken an arm or leg.

A remarkable autopsy study revealed that nearly 90% of people with MS still had active inflammation in the spinal cord. This finding brings new hope for potential treatments, even for older and progressive MS patients. Advances in imaging technology, including more powerful MRI scanners (3 Tesla and higher), are enhancing our ability to see inside the spinal cord, which is as thin as a pinky finger. Improved spinal cord imaging is driving the development of new therapies in clinical trials and helping identify those at risk for worsening disability, ultimately guiding better treatment decisions.

This podcast episode is sponsored by TG Therapeutics.

Gabriele C. De Luca, M.D., D.Phil.

Gabriele De Luca M.D., D.Phil. is a Professor of Clinical Neurology and Experimental Neuropathology, Honorary Consultant Neurologist, and Director of Clinical Neurosciences Undergraduate Education at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Prof. De Luca’s research group explores the neuropathology of multiple sclerosis using post-mortem brain and spinal cord tissue to identify new targets for treatment. He leads an international neuro-rehabilitation partnership with the goal of revolutionizing restorative neuroscience.

Bruce Cree, M.D., Ph.D.

Bruce Cree, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Neurology at University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (UCSF). He obtained his doctorate in biochemistry and medical degree at UCSF. He completed his neurology residency at Columbia University and MS fellowship and a master’s degree in clinical research at UCSF. Dr Cree’s research focuses on the genetic epidemiology of MS and developing novel therapies for MS through clinical trials.

We are excited to announce Jameson Holloman MD has joined us at The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Holloman acquired his undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University. He completed his neurology residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He also completed a 3-year neuroimmunology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Holloman’s dedication to advancing new treatments for multiple sclerosis and delivering exceptional patient care is deeply rooted in his own mother’s experience with the disease. He will significantly enhance access to the latest therapies while offering compassionate care to individuals living with MS in the Midwest.