Neuroimmunology

At the Neuroimmunology Program at Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), board-certified, specially trained neurologists care for conditions involving the immune and nervous systems. 

The Neuroimmunology Program provides diagnosis and treatment for people with multiple sclerosis and related conditions such as neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis and other neuroimmune disorders. 

Our team cares for patients referred by primary care providers and may also evaluate patients in the Emergency Department. 

Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Services at WMCHealth

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurologic condition managed by our neuroimmunology care team. The disease’s symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may change over time. You may be referred to our team for symptoms such as vision problems, fatigue, pain, dizziness or vertigo. Other symptoms may include numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or cognitive changes. 

As part of an academic neurology program, our specialists stay current on evolving neuroimmunology research and treatment options. MS treatment has changed significantly in recent years, giving patients more options for managing the condition. 

Neuroimmunology Conditions We Treat

Our neuroimmunologists treat a full range of neurological and immunological conditions, including the following. 

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. MS causes inflammation, damage, and scarring of the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, leading to various symptoms like fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and impaired coordination. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for enhancing quality of life. 
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (​​NMOSD): a rare autoimmune condition, also known as Devic’s disease, primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. It causes episodes of optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and other neurological symptoms. Early detection and tailored treatment plans are essential for managing symptoms and preventing relapses. 
• MOG-associated disease (MOGAD): is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. It targets the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), leading to inflammation and damage to nerve fibers. Symptoms vary but may include optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, and brain inflammation. Prompt diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies are crucial for managing this condition. 
• Optic neuritis: inflammation of the optic nerve, often causing sudden vision loss, pain with eye movement, and color desaturation. It can occur as a standalone condition or be associated with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving vision and managing underlying conditions. 
• Transverse myelitis: inflammation across the width of the spinal cord, causing sensory disturbances, weakness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. It can result from autoimmune disorders, infections, or other causes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. 
• Neurosarcoidosis: a rare condition where abnormal collections of inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, form in the nervous system. It can affect the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing the condition and preventing complications. 
• Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis: a rare condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels in the central nervous system. Early treatment is important and may help reduce lasting neurologic problems. 
• Neurologic manifestations of systemic rheumatologic conditions: conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Behçet’s disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, and IgG4-related disease can affect the nervous system. Our team works with your rheumatologist to manage these neurologic effects. 
• Neurologic complications and toxicities of cancer immunotherapies: cancer immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell therapy, can sometimes affect the nervous system. Our team works with your oncologist to diagnose and manage these neurologic complications. 

Technology We Use 

Patients at WMCHealth have access to advanced neuroimaging, including 3 Tesla MRI. This technology provides detailed images that can support diagnosis and treatment planning for neuroimmunologic conditions such as MS.