Neuroimmunology

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Neuroimmunology involves the study and treatment of immune system diseases and conditions that affect the central nervous system. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers comprehensive care and cutting-edge treatments for people who are diagnosed with a range of immune-related neurological disorders, including:

Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Vasculitis (primary or secondary to Sjogren's, Wegener's granulomatosis, Polyarteritis nodosa, temporal arteritis)
Lupus of the central nervous system
Chronic meningitis
Encephalitis
Neurosarcoidosis
Bechet disease

Many neuroimmunological conditions, such as MS, lupus and vasculitis, are thought to arise when the body mistakenly views its own tissue as foreign and produces antibodies that effectively attacks those tissues. While the causes of neuroimmune conditions are not well understood, proper management of symptoms through medication as well as control of diet, stress, and other lifestyle factors, can help patients lead normal lives with minimal restrictions on their daily activities. Specialists in immunological conditions of the nervous system at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital take an aggressive approach to diagnosis, as early diagnosis is very important in managing such conditions and maintaining patients' quality of life.

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common disorders of the central nervous system affecting younger adults. The Multiple Sclerosis Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, a pioneering clinical and research center, provides the latest diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and other autoimmune, inflammatory demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system. The program is dedicated to providing comprehensive patient care through a coordinated multidisciplinary approach of relevant clinical departments, including designated specialists from neurology, urology, psychiatry, rehabilitative medicine, physical and occupational therapy, and clinical social work services. The Center, recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, provides the most current treatment protocols available for multiple sclerosis, including approved and novel investigational therapies.

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Center is housed within the world-famous Neurological Institute at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia. In addition to providing clinical support and services, the Center carries out research studies of symptomatic and disease therapies. Active studies include 1) the use of intrathecal baclofen by pump infusion; 2) novel approaches to corticosteroid treatment and 3) use of intravenous immunoglobins in multiple sclerosis.