Neuroimmunology

Treatments & Procedures:

• High-dose steroid treatment to reduce brain inflammation
• Immunosuppressive medications or IVIG (immunoglobulin therapy)
• Biologic infusions in refractory cases
• Hospital-based care and monitoring during acute episodes
• Long-term support with cognitive therapy, rehabilitation, and medication adjustments

Treatments & Procedures:

Care for multiple sclerosis (MS) focuses on slowing disease progression, reducing relapses, and managing symptoms. Treatment plans are personalized and may include:

• Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): Immunomodulatory medications that reduce relapses and help slow disease progression
• Steroid treatments: Used during flare-ups to reduce inflammation and shorten recovery time
• Infusion therapy: Intravenous medications, including biologic therapies such as ocrelizumab or natalizumab, that target the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent further nerve damage
• Symptom management: Physical and occupational therapy, pain management, and mobility support to improve daily function
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular neurologic exams and imaging to track disease activity
• Diagnostic Testing and Monitoring, which may include:
• MRI of the brain and spinal cord
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Visual evoked potentials (VEP) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP)

Treatments & Procedures:

• Immunosuppressive therapy to prevent immune system attacks
• Biologic infusions, such as monoclonal antibodies that target specific immune cells
• Steroid therapy during acute attacks to reduce inflammation
• Infusion therapy and long-term treatment plans to reduce recurrence
• Supportive care, including rehabilitation and symptom relief

Before the Procedure:

Before infusions, your care team will review your labs and medical history. During the infusion, you’ll be monitored in a comfortable setting.

After the Procedure:

Afterward, most patients return to normal activities the same day, though some experience mild fatigue or flu-like symptoms.

After the Procedure:

You’ll need routine check-ins and imaging to monitor effectiveness.

Conditions Treated

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
• Autoimmune encephalitis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Before the Treatment:

Your neurologist will discuss which therapy is best for your diagnosis. Some medications are given as pills, infusions, or injections. Before starting, you may need lab work or imaging to check organ function and rule out infection. Your care team will explain how to take or receive the medication safely.

After the Treatment:

You’ll have regular follow-up visits and blood tests to monitor your response and check for side effects. Many people notice fewer relapses and better symptom control over time. Your doctor will adjust your treatment as needed to balance effectiveness and safety.

Before the Treatment

Your neurologist will review your diagnosis, medical history, and recent lab results to ensure infusion therapy is right for you. The team will explain which medication you’ll receive, how it works, and what to expect during the infusion. Most patients can eat and drink normally beforehand. The IV is usually placed in your arm, and treatments may take several hours depending on the medication.

After the Treatment

You can return to most of your normal activities the same day. Some people may feel tired or have mild side effects, such as a headache or soreness at the IV site. These symptoms usually go away within a day or two. Your care team will monitor your progress and schedule follow-up infusions as needed to help keep your condition under control.

Conditions Treated

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Multiple sclerosis (in some cases)
• Autoimmune encephalitis

Before the Treatment:

IVIG is usually given as an outpatient infusion, lasting several hours. You may be asked to hydrate well and eat beforehand. Let your care team know about any prior reactions to infusions.

After the Treatment:

You’ll be monitored for side effects, which may include fatigue, headache, or mild flu-like symptoms. Most people tolerate IVIG well and can return to regular activities shortly after treatment. Multiple sessions may be scheduled depending on your condition.

Conditions Treated

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
• Autoimmune encephalitis
• Certain forms of multiple sclerosis

Before the Treatment:

Your care team will review your blood tests and place a special IV line, often in your neck or chest, to allow the machine to filter your blood. The procedure takes about two to three hours. You may receive medications to prevent side effects like low blood pressure or cramping.

After the Treatment:

You can usually go home the same day unless you are already in the hospital. Mild fatigue or lightheadedness is common and should improve with rest and hydration. Your doctor will decide how many treatments you need—often several sessions over one to two weeks.

After the Procedure:

After a course of steroids, a tapering schedule may be prescribed to prevent side effects.