Neurology

Multiple Sclerosis Subspecialty Group

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS and related diseases are called demyelinating diseases because they're associated with damage to the insulating covering of nerve fibers (myelin). Multiple sclerosis is the most common type of demyelinating disease.

Mayo Clinic doctors in the Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology diagnose and treat many demyelinating diseases. Division members conduct clinical research, laboratory studies and clinical trials to better understand the causes of MS and improve treatments for people who have MS or related conditions.

Conditions

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
• CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases
• Multiple sclerosis
• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO, or Devic's disease)
• Optic neuritis
• Transverse myelitis

Staff

Minnesota

• Ralitza H. Gavrilova, M.D.
• Orhun H. Kantarci, M.D.
• B. Mark Keegan, M.D.
• Vanda A. Lennon, M.D., Ph.D.
• Claudia F. Lucchinetti, M.D.
• Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch.
• John H. Noseworthy, M.D.
• Istvan Pirko, M.D.
• Sean J. Pittock, M.D.
• Moses Rodriguez, M.D.
• Brian G. Weinshenker, M.D.

Florida

• Elizabeth A. Shuster, M.D.

Arizona

• Jonathan L. Carter, M.D.
• Dean M. Wingerchuk, M.D.

Research

Mayo Clinic doctors from the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and CNS Demyelinating Diseases conduct studies on disease natural history, epidemiology, immunology, neuroimaging, neuropathology, biomarker development, clinical trials, genetics, myelin repair, axonal injury and myelin destruction. This range of research activities helps doctors better understand MS and related diseases and develop new treatments for people who have these conditions.

Education

Autoimmune Neurology Fellowship (Rochester, Minn.)
Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship Program (Rochester, Minn.)
Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship Program (Arizona)