The Division of Neuroimmunology is home to our Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Related Disorders Program. Our faculty and advanced practice providers offer specialized expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of individuals living with MS and related disorders.

Patients are seen at both the Ambulatory Outpatient Pavilion (AOP) in downtown Richmond, and the Short Pump Pavilion in Glen Allen.

Multiple Sclerosis & Related Disorders Program

Our program includes three fellowship-trained physicians with expertise in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders, including neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neurosarcoidosis and other neuroinflammatory disorders of the central nervous system.

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  

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