Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2021

Researchandcare for our region Tyler’s diagnosis is not rare, but MS is more often found in women than men—at nearly three times the rate. “There are still many men diagnosed with multiple sclerosis,” Dr. Bozinov said. “When we hear ‘MS,’ we think young females ages 20 to 40. This can cause a delay in the presentation or diagnosis of MS for men and older people. More often my male patients, including Tyler, will have seen an orthopedic specialist before being referred to a neurologist.” Dr. Bozinov said it’s tricky to know the true prevalence of MS in the Pacific Northwest. She said a latitude gradient may play a role, as well as high rates of risk factors such as vitamin D deficiency and northern European heritage. “The Idaho Panhandle has a latitude of approximately 46 degrees north of the equator,” she said. “These factors likely contribute to the higher rates of MS in our region. We need more real- world research to understand what is unique to our region so we can find ways to intervene.” Dr. Bozinov is the only MS expert in northern Idaho. She and her team will keep treating patients and searching for answers to this strange ailment—so patients like Tyler can continue to live life to the fullest. “It is an incredible honor to be an MS provider for northern Idaho and the surrounding regions,” Dr. Bozinov said. “I am so proud of our clinic setup and what we can offer at Kootenai Health to people living with MS. I’ve had many interactions where patients say it feels like they are coming home. Caring for someone living with MS is a full-team collaboration, and it has been wonderful to work with other providers in the area.” Help support neurosciences Kootenai Clinic Neurology is part of Kootenai Health’s growing neurosciences program. This year the Kootenai Health Foundation is leading a $1.1 million campaign to fund advanced neurosurgery equipment to better serve our patients. Our neuroscience program is the Festival of Trees beneficiary for 2021. Funds raised will help purchase cranial navigation and a KINEVO microscope to provide our neurosurgery team with the best equipment to perform the most delicate of surgeries. Read more on pages 20 and 21. See our MS expert Nina Bozinov, M.D., M.S., sees patients at Kootenai Clinic Neurology. Get to know the team at KH.org/neurology or call (208) 625-5100 for help. Photo by Andrea Nagel KH . ORG 7