Here's What to Expect From Your First Infusion Treatment
Infusion therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for neurological and autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), migraine, neuropathy, and myasthenia gravis.
Rather than taking medication orally, infusions deliver medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV, which supports faster absorption and more consistent results. At Integrated Neurology Services, our in-office infusion suite offers a comfortable, supportive setting where patients can receive these treatments safely under medical supervision.
If you’re considering starting infusion therapy, here’s what you can expect.
The basics of infusion therapy
Infusion therapy involves administering medication intravenously over a specific period of time, usually a half-hour or longer. Infusions allow the medication to enter your bloodstream directly, which can make treatment more effective — especially for patients who can’t take certain drugs orally.
In neurology, we often use infusion treatments to manage chronic conditions that involve the immune or nervous systems. A few examples are:
- MS infusions to help reduce inflammation and prevent relapses
- Migraine infusions to relieve severe or prolonged attacks
- Autoimmune disorder infusions, like IV immunoglobulin (IVIg), to regulate immune system activity and reduce symptoms
We tailor every infusion plan to each patient’s specific diagnosis, treatment goals, and response to the therapy itself.
Are infusions right for you?
If you have a neurological or autoimmune condition that hasn’t responded well to oral medication or lifestyle management alone, infusion therapy might be a good next step.
Our experienced neurology team starts by reviewing your medical history, current medications, and overall health. We also consider factors like how often your symptoms occur, how severe they are, and whether you’ve experienced side effects from other treatments.
If infusion therapy is a good option for you, we can discuss which medication we recommend, how often you’ll receive it, and what kind of results you can expect. Some patients receive infusions as part of an ongoing management plan, while others use them for short-term symptom control.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns before your first appointment.
What to expect during your first infusion
It’s normal to be a little nervous about starting a new treatment, and knowing what to expect can make your first infusion experience less stressful. Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment, and our team will help you get settled into a reclining chair in our calm, private infusion suite when you arrive. Here’s how the process typically works:
Preparation
Our goal is to make your treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible. One of our nurses reviews your treatment plan, takes your vital signs, and places a small IV line — usually in your arm or hand. We secure the line, and the infusion begins.
Infusion
The medication is administered over a set period of time. Depending on the treatment you’re receiving, it may take 30 minutes to a few hours. You’re free to read, use your phone or tablet, or even close your eyes while you wait.
Monitoring
Throughout your infusion session, our nurses monitor your comfort and watch for any side effects or reactions.
Aftercare
Once your infusion is complete, we remove your IV and apply a small bandage. We may observe you briefly before you’re ready to go home. Most patients can return to normal activities afterward, though some prefer to rest for the remainder of the day.
What happens after your first infusion
Depending on your condition and treatment goals, infusion therapy may become part of your long-term care plan. We schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate your progress after your first infusion treatment, and we adjust your medication or infusion frequency if needed.
At Integrated Neurology Services, we’re committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals with complex neurological and autoimmune conditions. Our on-site infusion suite allows us to deliver specialized treatments in a safe, supportive environment so you can focus on feeling your best.
Call us at 703-313-9111 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at the Virginia location near you and learn more about your infusion treatment options.
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