Manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Dr. Tabby provides ongoing care for patients with varying types of MS, from relapsing and remitting to progressive types. Neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis present with a wide-range of neurologic symptoms and deficits including difficulty with balance and walking, vision problems, cognitive and perceptual dysfunction, speech deficits and neurogenic bowel and bladder.
Many patients suffer through many exacerbations, trials of immune modulating medications, and a barrage of symptoms that leave them feeling tired and fatigued. Dr. Tabby understands that the symptoms of MS can be difficult for patients to deal with and she aims to provide support and assist with improving the ability to walk and perform activities of daily living. Dr. Tabby’s expertise in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation helps her to optimally support those with multiple sclerosis, working in collaboration with neurologists, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapists.
Dr. Tabby’s Approach to Care
Dr. Tabby embodies the “art of medicine” philosophy, forging strong relationships with her patients built on trust and mutual respect, and pursuing a rigorous diagnostic work-up. She will take a careful medical history and perform a thorough examination looking for manifestations of MS and any deficits that may be present.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists like Dr. Tabby have extensive training in a number of disciplines including neurology, rheumatology and the musculoskeletal system which provides them unique knowledge to address issues MS patients may be facing like exacerbations affecting their daily functioning and perhaps leaving different neurologic deficits each time.
The goal of treatment from a physical medicine and rehabilitation perspective is to use physical and occupational therapeutic tailored exercises, topical medication and other modalities to relieve symptoms and provide support for daily activities. She wants patients to feel comfortable leading active lives and hopes to provide them with the resources to reduce their pain and discomfort to get to that point.
Easy booking and appointment availability are benefits of working with Dr. Tabby. She encourages patients to visit her in the office, but for patients with extreme mobility limits, she makes home visits or virtual appointments through HealthTap. Feel free to inquire when speaking with the office staff about all of the available options.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment
Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Tabby will provide a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Tabby is an advocate of vitamins, nutrition and exercise as part of a healthy self-care routine. Education and preventive measures may be implemented as part of the treatment plan to try to sustain optimal health and reduce the possibility of falls or other complications. Often specific exercises will be demonstrated and “prescribed” for these purposes.
She employs a nonnarcotic treatment method rooted in the judicious use of medications, therefore treatments are more likely to center around “hands on” methods such as topical pain relief, trigger point injections, massage, heat or ice application and active participation of the patient to complete recommended therapeutic exercises. Bracing (orthotics) or walking assistive devices and customized wheelchairs may be employed in combination with any of the above methods to provide more support. It is a multi-disciplinary approach with collaboration between neurologists, physical therapists and other providers in an attempt to provide a well-rounded, versus just pharmacologic approach.