Neuroimmunology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and infections caused by interactions between the nervous system (essentially, your body's command center) and the immune system (which helps the body fight off infections and disease).

Our team of highly skilled specialists is able to diagnose and treat a number of conditions that fall into this field.
 

Demyelinating Diseases

A demyelinating (dee-my-uh-luh-nay-ting) disease is a condition that causes damage to the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers in your brain, the nerves leading to the eyes (optic nerves) and your spinal cord. 

Nerves send electrical signals that help you feel sensations such as touch, taste, see and feel. They also help with movement. 

When nerve fibers are damaged, these signals slow down or even stop, causing neurological problems.
 

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is the most common demyelinating disease. Signs and symptoms can vary, but may include movement or vision problems, tingling or body pain, and bowel and bladder dysfunction.
 

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, is a rare neurological condition that typically follows a viral infection. Signs and symptoms may include trouble swallowing, weakness in the arms and legs, confusion, drowsiness or even coma.  

Other Conditions

There are other conditions that fall under the umbrella of neuroimmunology that are not considered demyelinating diseases.
 

Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically causes headache, fever and a stiff neck.

Most cases of meningitis in the U.S. are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections are other causes. 
 

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)

Neuromyelitis optica, or NMO, is a disorder that mainly affects the eye nerves and spinal cord. It sometimes occurs after an infection, and can often be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis.

Neuromyelitis optica can cause blindness, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms, painful spasms, loss of sensation, uncontrollable vomiting and hiccups, and bladder or bowel dysfunction from spinal cord damage.
 

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between your nerves and muscles. It’s characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. 

There's no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve symptoms, which can include weakness of arm or leg muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids and difficulty with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing.