Neurologist Brittani Conway, MD, joins our dedicated team of multiple sclerosis specialists
Neurologist Brittani Conway, MD, has always been up for a challenge.
At the University of Minnesota Medical School, she was drawn to a complex disease that often impacts people in the prime of life.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the nerves that carry signals throughout the body from the brain, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, fatigue, blindness, and even paralysis. Nearly 1 million Americans live with MS, and the disease’s symptoms and progression vary by individual.
Conway is joining two other dedicated MS specialists at M Health Fairview who work to meet patients’ diverse needs by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team including dieticians, ophthalmologists, and physical and occupational therapists. We sat down with Conway to learn more about her background and care philosophy when it comes to treating MS.
What drew you to specializing in multiple sclerosis care?
Patients with MS have complex needs. They’re often diagnosed in early adulthood, between their 20s and 40s, and it can be very disruptive to their lifestyle. I think it was a good fit for my personality. I’m sensitive to the kinds of support they need — both psychological and physical.
After graduating from medical school, I went down to the University of Miami for neurology training, then I spent one year at the Mayo Clinic in an MS fellowship. Coming to M Health Fairview will allow me to focus specifically on caring for patients with MS and meeting their complex range of needs.
Learn more about our multiple sclerosis care and schedule an appointment online or by calling 612-626-6688.
What treatments are currently available for multiple sclerosis?
There are many treatments available, but they all come with risks, which is something that’s relatively unique about MS. There are currently three main categories of treatment: injections, oral medication, and intravenous (IV) medication.
Injections have been around the longest, so we have the most data on safety. In general, they’re the least effective at preventing relapses — a new MS symptom occurring or an old symptom getting worse — but they also have the fewest risks.
Oral treatments are a middle ground. They’re effective at preventing roughly 50 percent of relapses but come with more risks, including most commonly an increased risk for viral infection, which has become quite relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
IV treatments are the most effective at preventing relapses, but patients are even more vulnerable to viral infections.
How do you help patients navigate these options?
There are so many different treatment options, and MS affects everyone differently. I really believe in a shared decision-making model and view my role in large part as an educator for patients. This is particularly important when it comes to MS treatments. I educate patients about the risks and benefits of each potential treatment. Often, I’ll recommend two different courses of action and have patients make the final decision about which one best fits with their personal values.
When making these recommendations, I’m looking at how bad their symptoms are. If symptoms are mild, I have the opportunity to try a milder treatment. I also integrate MRI data to take a closer look at nerve damage. We also look together at a patient’s support system and how different treatments fit into their life.
What is your philosophy in caring for patients with multiple sclerosis?
Medical treatment is just one part of caring for MS. Patients need to care for their bodies physically and nutritionally, and their care team can help support them in this. I look to partner with nutritionists, rehabilitation, and integrative health specialists to provide patients with that knowledge. Many patients also benefit from mental health support after receiving this challenging diagnosis.
Having a cohesive team is important, because of all these moving pieces. Patients are seeing me most consistently of anyone and start to really trust me. If I’ve met and talked to the psychologist who I’m referring a patient to, they’re more likely to visit with that psychologist.
On the other hand, you can easily overwhelm patients with too much information all at once. People with MS often struggle with fatigue. The more fatigued they are, the harder it is for them to focus. I like to work with them on their initial diagnosis and education, then start providing referrals as we go.
How does it feel to be reconnected with the University of Minnesota through M Health Fairview?
Transitioning to M Health Fairview allows me to really focus on MS care. Specifically, I’m excited to not be the only MS specialist — I’m part of a team of MS experts. Through the University, we also have access to leading-edge research into MS care and advanced imaging through the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. These tools can help provide invaluable information when it comes to making those important treatment decisions.
