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Dr. James Bowen, MD

Bio

Dr. James Bowen is the medical director for the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish.  He is board certified in neurology.  Dr. Bowen was inducted into the National MS Society Hall of Fame for Health Professionals and Researchers in 2005. Dr. Bowen's mission is to offer comprehensive care to help patients achieve their highest level of wellness. Because MS affects each person differently, Dr. Bowen believes that it is important to address every aspect of care, including medical and nonmedical issues.  He strives to partner with patients in achieving their highest level of well-being. His research interests emphasize clinical trials of new treatments for multiple sclerosis, and he has published over 200 articles, abstracts and chapters relating to MS or other neurological diseases.



Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Swedish

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Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Cellphone Use May Reveal Your 'Dominant Brain'

    FRIDAY, May 17 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.

    The dominant side of your brain is where your speech and language center resides. Ninety-five percent of the human pop...Full Article

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  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Condition Commonly Seen in Aging May Alter Brain Function

    MONDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- A condition known as leukoaraiosis alters brain function in older people, according to a small new study.

    Contrary to past belief, researchers found this common condition, in which diseased blood vessels lead to small areas of...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Migraines Not Linked to Decline in Thinking Skills

    FRIDAY, Aug. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Although they are common and often debilitating, migraine headaches are not associated with declines in thinking skills, researchers say.

    "Previous studies on migraines and cognitive [brain] decline were small and unable to identify a link between the t...Full Article

  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    Should I take medication for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Medications are available to slow the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). These medications are called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) because they slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. These medications have all been proven to benefit multiple ...  Full Post
  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    Should I take medication for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Medications are available to slow the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). These medications are called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) because they slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. These medications have all been proven to benefit multiple ...  Full Post
  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    What is silent multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Some multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are not aware of most multiple sclerosis attacks. A very conservative estimate is that patients have 10 silent attacks for every attack they are aware of. These "silent" attacks can eventually affect memory, cognition and other important areas.  Full Post
  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    What types of medications treat multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Medications are available to slow the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). These medications are called disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) because they slow the progression of multiple sclerosis. These medications have all been proven to benefit multiple ...  Full Post
  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    What causes symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are caused by loss of myelin, axons and nerve cells.

    The brain in multiple sclerosis:
    • The immune system attacks the myelin covering the axons of nerve cells.
    • It destroys patches or sections of myelin, leaving behind bare axons.
    Nerve signals fail to reach...  Full Post
  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    What causes multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Although the root cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unknown, much has been learned:
    • The immune system causes much of the damage from MS.
    • It periodically attacks the brain, causing the damage that leads to MS.
    What is not known is why the immune system causes this attack on the brain.
     Full Post
  • James Bowen, MD
    James Bowen, MD of Swedish answered:
    What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system.
    • It affects the brain, eyes and spinal cord.
    • Symptoms depend on which parts of the nervous system are involved.
    Each person has different symptoms that require a different course of treatment.
    • Multiple sclerosis refers to "multiple"
    ...  Full Post