Stanford Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program

Stanford Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Program Overview

The Stanford Neuroimmunology Program specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, research and education of immune-mediated diseases of the human nervous system, including Multiple Sclerosis, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, MOGAD, stiff person syndrome, and the broadening range of autoimmunity manifest with neurologic end-organ effect. Clinic care is provided at our interdisciplinary Stanford Neuroscience Health Center, designed for optimized patient access and convenience according to a patient-centric model of comprehensive holistic care. The SNHC offers on site imaging, infusion Center, laboratory services, neuro-rehabilitation, neuropsychology, neurodiagnostics and specialty-level clinical care under one roof. Our program is committed to the research, investigation and discovery of the conditions we treat. Our Clinical Trials team is embedded on site to optimize advisory services, assessment, consent and recruitment in clinical trials; and our clinical efforts are interwoven in collaboration with world-renowned Stanford scientists to offer enterprising translational research. We share this paradigm disruptive work and study with our subspecialty Fellows, Neurology residents, and Stanford University School of Medicine students in our nationally acclaimed teaching programs, with a sincere and abiding commitment to career mentorship, to train tomorrow’s leaders in this vital and burgeoning subspecialty.

Multiple Sclerosis Center Patient Care

Using a collaborative decision-making approach, we work with the patient to find a treatment plan that optimizes his or her disease course and wellness. Our MS specialists and researchers also are involved in a number of studies to understand the MS disease course and improve MS disease management.

News

CAR-T therapy for multiple sclerosis enters US trials for first time

Stanford clinician scientists Dr. Jeffrey Dunn and Dr. Robert Lowsky have started the first clinical trial in the US testing CAR-T (CD-19) immunotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis in human subjects, as reported in Nature magazine.

Stanford MS Center certified by the Consortium of MS Centers

The Stanford Multiple Sclerosis Center was awarded ongoing certification for 2024 as a member Center in good standing with the highly esteemed Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. Stanford's active membership in the CMSC enables Stanford to continue in its role of national leadership in medical and nursing care in the field of MS.

Scientists identify ‘Velcro-like’ molecule to potentially treat ALS

Lawrence Steinman, MD and his collaborators recently identified a molecule that could be targeted by drug developers to treat ALS. The protein, alpha 5 integrin, is related to another integrin (alpha 4), a type of protein that helps immune cells move and bind to their surroundings like Velcro.

The Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition

Jeff Dunn, MD was awarded The Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition by Rep. Mike Thompson for advancing the care and research of Multiple Sclerosis.

CRUSH MS

Help us #CrushMS! Join the Stanford Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis team for food, wine, music and an auction at the Reid Family Vineyards in Napa, CA July 29, 2023. All proceeds support MS research & MS organizations.

2023 Lysia S. Forno Award

Congratulations to Lucas Kipp, MD, Clinical Associate Professor and winner of the 2023 Lysia S. Forno Award. This award was named for Dr. Forno who taught neuropathology to a generation of Stanford neurology residents. Each year residents vote for the faculty member they feel embodies Dr. Forno's outstanding contributions to resident teaching.

Epstein Barr Virus & Multiple Sclerosis – Jeffrey Dunn, M.D.

New research shows that Multiple Sclerosis may be caused by Epstein Barr virus infection. Learn more in this informative Grand Rounds lecture at the Seattle Science Foundation by Jeffrey Dunn, MD.

Repairing spinal cord lesions in MS with Focused Ultrasound

Professors Pablo Villoslada, Kimberly Butts Pauly, and Lawrence Steinman, from Stanford Neurology and Radiology, have been awarded a grant to study repairing spinal cord lesions in MS with focused ultrasound. This study addresses a critical and unmet need in the field of MS.

Doximity Residency Navigator

The Stanford Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship has been ranked among best in the west in reputation and research output by the Doximity Residency Navigator of 2022-2023.