Yasushi Kisanuki, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Neurology
Make an appointment
614-293-4969Conditions and expertise
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Ataxia
- Neurofibroma
Locations
- Neurology in Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
- Lab in Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
- Neurology in Outpatient Care Gahanna
Academics and research
Department: Neurology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I am a neurologist specializing in diagnosing and treating neurogenetic disorders of the central nervous system, including hereditary cerebellar ataxia, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), leukoencephalopathy, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and other rare conditions. I also manage spasticity care with intrathecal Baclofen pumps in collaboration with neurosurgeons for patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury or other neurologic disorders. I have been honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2018.
Recently, I played a pivotal role in a multicenter phase 3 trial that supported Food and Drug Administration approval of chenodeoxycholic acid for CTX in February. I am currently involved in clinical studies on spinocerebellar ataxia, Friedreich ataxia, PLS and related disorders.
I organize and direct specialized clinics, including a multidisciplinary cerebellar symptom management clinic, a neurogenetic disorders clinic and a spasticity clinic that focuses on intrathecal Baclofen pumps. The access to resources and exceptional multidisciplinary teams here enable me to treat and study the most complex and rare neurologic disorders.
In addition to clinical care and research, I train future physicians as director of the Adult Neurology Residency Program, supervising medical students and resident physicians in inpatient settings and clinics. I value these interactions – our learners often ask insightful, unbiased questions about pathophysiology.
When I’m not working, I enjoy long-distance cycling, international travel and playing with my cats.
Highlights
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2017-2019
- Best Doctor in America, 2017
Conditions and expertise
- Ataxia
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Neurofibroma
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Neurology
- University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
7/1/2005 - 8/31/2007 - Residency - Neurology
- University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
7/1/2002 - 6/30/2005 - Internship - Other, Not Listed
- Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
7/1/2001 - 6/30/2002 - Fellowship - Neurology
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
12/1/1994 - 6/30/2001 - Residency - Geriatric Medicine
- Tokyo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
6/1/1994 - 11/30/1994 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Tokyo, Tokyo 114-0033, Japan, Japan
4/1/1990 - 3/31/1994
Certification
-
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology-Neurology
5/14/2006
Academics and research
I joined The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as an assistant professor, and I currently serve as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Neurology. I am a Fellow of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association.
My research focuses on improving the diagnosis, advancing the treatments and developing therapies for genetic cerebellar ataxias, PLS, HSP and other rare neurogenetic disorders. Neurogenetic disorders often have no established cure, and even diagnosing such disorders can be a challenge that is frustrating for patients.
I have contributed to characterizing rodent models of SPG6-HSP and participated in clinical research projects on PLS and other rare conditions. Through collaborative efforts, my teams and I published diagnostic guidelines for PLS and a recommended clinical scale to measure disease severity.
Research interests
- Medical Education
Academic information
- Department:
- Neurology
- Division:
- Neurology
Leadership titles
- Residency Program Director - Neurology
More about my research
Ratings and reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
74 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
Consulting and related relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Yasushi Kisanuki has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- Mirum Pharmaceuticals
Good experience: Kind, honest, professional, knowledgeable, thorough, and attentive.
Very caring, professional, and polite
Amazing outstanding Amazing experience.
Gave plenty of time to me
Very detail oriented
Knowledgeable
Dr Kisanuki is an excellent doctor who explains his opinion and offers advice and suggestions. Since he has a fairly large number of patients with my disability, I am confident in his advice In caring for me.
A great experience. Explained things in depth. Definitely wanted to make sure I understand and spent beyond adequate time with me.
Good
Very Good
Dr Kisanuki is very thorough and always answers my questions. He also gets my paperwork filled out quickly. Dr Kisanuki is the best for my disease.
Dr K always takes time to answer my questions and spends time with me. I know he is busy but he doesn't rush. I had to change insurance and made sure I got a policy that accepted him. So thankful he has worked to make his office an ataxia center of excellence. It will improve the care we need for this rare disease and draw patients from all over, which will only improve knowledge for patient care. He is an expert and I'm so glad I found him.
He was very knowledgeable
Dr. Kisanuki, is great!
A superior knowledge of subject matter. Thorough examination. Friendly disposition. All Good.
We might have to wait on Dr Kisanuki, but it doesn't bother me because I know he is doing a thorough exam and spends time with his patients. He treats us like we are the only ones that he has to see. He apologizes for being late. I have given his name to a number of people. So far everyone feels the same way. They love him. I also know he keeps up on his education about rare diseases. I would be lost without him
He's fantastic and a genuine caring individual.8
Great listener and explained everything clearly and let us ask quesrions
Dr Kisanuki is very thorough and very knowledgeable. He listened to my questions and concerns. He is the best Doctor I have seen and very patient and explains everything.
He understood my concerns and my interest in genetic testing