The Rush Neuroimmunology Clinic features a team of clinicians who are fellowship trained in neuroimmunology and have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disorders that affect the nervous system and related conditions. These include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), transverse myelitis and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD), among others.
Our team incorporates integrated infusion services at the clinic and collaborates across specialties to provide the most effective, comprehensive options for treatment. They explore not only medications and treatment interventions, but also provide physical and occupational therapy, ophthalmology, urology care and any other services patients require. The clinic works in tandem with the Rush Multiple Sclerosis Brain Health Center, which offers patients and their families education on their condition, exercise and nutritional advice, lifelong interventions and mental health care and psychotherapy. And we offer access to clinical trials, many related to MS, that can offer patients options for care that aren’t available elsewhere.
The goal of the clinic is to provide proactive care for patients with disorders that can lead to severe disability and mortality. For example, 90% of people with NMOSD will relapse within five years of onset of the condition without treatment, and most have minimal, if any, improvement afterward. These relapses often affect the optic nerve and spinal cord, leading to blindness and weakness in the lower extremities.
By accurately diagnosing patients and beginning treatment early, our clinicians can slow or stop the progression of disease and disability, often allowing patients to regain normal function and reestablish their quality of life.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Treatment at Rush?
Patients with even the most complex cases of autoimmune disease of the central nervous system will find expert diagnosis and treatment at the Rush Neuroimmunology Clinic. These include patients presenting with atypical symptoms of MS, those with established neuromyelitis optica (NMO) diagnoses seeking second opinions or higher levels of care, and those who require infusion therapies for NMO.
Why Refer Patients Here?
- Outcomes registry program: We rely on a program that collects clinical outcomes, as well as serum-based biomarkers and MRI outcomes.
- AI-powered technology: Our new Icometrix software incorporates cloud-based artificial intelligence to measure and quantify brain and lesion volumes in patients. This allows our physicians to accurately monitor changes in clinical symptoms, disability and fatigue and respond with appropriate treatment.
- First-rate care: The neurology and neurosurgery programs at Rush are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- Infusion expertise: Our state-of-the-art infusion center offers a full range of therapies, including rituximab, eculizumab and Uplizna, one of the first FDA-approved treatments for NMO.
- Leaders in brain health: The Rush MS Brain Health Center, which houses the Rush Neuroimmunology Clinic, has been recognized as a Center for Comprehensive Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.
What Is the Process for Referring a Patient?
To refer your patients to Rush, you can call the Provider Express Line at (312) 947-4725. You can also visit our Refer or Transfer a Patient page to learn more and find an online provider referral form. To reach the Rush Multiple Sclerosis Brain Health Center directly and refer your patient for MS care, you can call (312) 942-8011.
Patients referred to the Rush Neuroimmunology Clinic are generally seen within a week. Our team includes referring physicians in the care process and maintains open communication through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process. They are available to answer any questions, provide face-to-face consultations and see patients in the clinic.
Conditions We Treat
- Antibody-mediated encephalitis
- Autoimmune encephalitis
- Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS),
- Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD)
- Transverse myelitis
Treatments and Tests Offered
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Plasma exchange
- Ravulizumab
- Rituximab infusion therapy
- Satralizumab
- Soliris infusion therapy
- Uplizna infusion therapy