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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.



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Affiliation:

  • Swedish

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Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Modified Polio Virus May Help Fight Brain Tumors, Study Suggests

    THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- A modified version of the polio virus might one day help fight brain tumors, preliminary research suggests.

    Scientists at Duke Cancer Institute said the investigational therapy, known as PVSRIPO, uses an engineered form of the virus that is harmless t...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Scientists Can't Replicate Surprising Finding on Alzheimer's Treatment

    THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Although a study in 2012 suggested a cancer drug could reverse the thinking and memory problems associated with Alzheimer's disease, three groups of researchers now say they have been unable to duplicate those findings.

    The teams said their research co...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Got an Itch? Mouse Study May Help Explain Why

    THURSDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- The sensation of itching is hardwired into the nervous system and can be traced back to a small molecule released in the spinal cord, according to a new study in mice.

    Researchers say this molecule, known as natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb), triggers ...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Having Both Migraines, Depression May Mean Smaller Brain

    WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Migraines and depression can each cause a great deal of suffering, but new research indicates the combination of the two may be linked to something else entirely -- a smaller brain.

    Already aware that people with migraines face double the risk of dep...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Neurology:
    Cost of Treating Strokes in U.S. Could Soar to $180B Annually by 2030: Report

    WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Over the next two decades, the cost of treating strokes in the United States is expected to more than double, topping more than $180 billion a year, according to new research.

    The main factor driving the increase: an aging p...Full Article

  • 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