Physician, Associate Professor
Neurology
Department: Neurology
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.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
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.
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.
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.
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
Very caring & professional
My care provider is outstanding. I have total faith in the history handling of my case.
Excellent
Exceptional.
He explained everything in detail and very caring and considerate and listened. We couldn't ask for a better doctor to help us.
Dr. K is engaged, approachable, and thorough.
All good very patient
He is always very kind, respectful and thorough.
I had a new problem and Dr Kisanuki always shows concern and figures out a way to help me
All good