The Division of Neuroimmunology includes our Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Related Disorders and Headache Programs.  Each program includes faculty and advanced practice providers with expertise on the care and management of individuals living with MS and Related Disorders and Headache Disorders. 

Neuroimmunology Division Patients are seen at both the Ambulatory Ouptiant Pavilion (AOP) in downtown Richmond, and the Short Pump Pavilion in Glenn Allen.  

Multiple Sclerosis & Related Disorders Program: Our program includes 3 fellowship-trained physicians with expertise in the care and management of MS and related disorders (e.g. Neuromyelitis Optica, Anti-MOG Antibody Syndrome, Neurosarcoidosis, and other neuroimmflammatory disorders of the central nervous system).  Our multi-disciplinary team includes a dedicated Nurse Care Coordinator, Clinical Pharmacist, and Psychiatrist, as well as established collaborative relationships with colleagues in Rehabilitation Medicine, Urology/Urogynecology, Neuro-Ophthalmology, and Sleep Medicine.  We also have strong relationships with our allied health partners in Rehabilitation Therapy (e.g. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy).  We provide a patient-centered approach to care that includes shared-decision making in treatment selection for disease and symptomatic medications.  

Neuroscientists at VCU are engaged in a wide spectrum of basic, translational and clinical research projects focused on understanding the underlying cause of MS and identifying potential therapies. Projects in recent years include:  

• Evaluation of the importance of blood glucose response to steroids during treatment of an MS relapse.
• Studies exploring the importance of co-morbidities in MS disease course.
• The study of serum biomarkers in MS which is supported by our biorepository 
• The discovery of a form of axonal injury in animal models of multiple sclerosis that may revolutionize our understanding of axonal injury in multiple sclerosis 
• The study of how nociceptin and mu-opioid receptors control remyelination
• The examination of how autotaxin promotes remyelination through its action on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells  
• The testing of LXR agonists to reduce inflammation in the central nervous system  

 Please let us know if you are interested in learning more about our growing research program.

Educational Programs

Our Multiple Sclerosis Program offers Fellowship Training in Neuroimmunology, as well as a portfolio of basic science and clinical research, including clinical trials.