Yasushi Kisanuki, MD
Physician, Associate Professor
Neurology
Make an appointment
614-293-4969
Accepting new patients
Conditions and expertise
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Ataxia
- Neurofibroma
Locations
- Outpatient Care Gahanna
- Neurology
Academic information
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.
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.
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
Neurology
in Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
2050 Kenny Road
Pavilion 3rd Floor Suite 3100
Columbus, OH 43221
Pavilion 3rd Floor Suite 3100
Columbus, OH 43221
614-293-4969
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
- St. Joseph Mercy Health System, 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
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.
175 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 Dr. 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, Inc.
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
Fully describe what he was going to test me next
All good
Excellent
The doctor was highly recommended for my neurological disorder. He was very thorough and spent a lot of time examining me and asking questions. He listened to me and asked I if I had any questions regarding anything or questions regarding the plan of treatment he proposed. Very professional and friendly.
Dr. Kisanuki Is very good with his patients.He takes time for any questions you might have or any concerns that you might have.
Good
Very knowledgeable and great people skills
Good
Dr Kisanuki is always excellent in the appointments. He's helpful, kind and has a pleasant personality.
Dr Kisanuki is the best, we have referred patients to him and will continue
He was considerate of my problems and communicated well.
Respectful & patient. Considered my input when deciding loan of care
Great
Very courteous, listened carefully, asked clarifying follow up questions and answered our questions thoroughly.
Very friendly!
Very grateful for his care
Dr Kissnuke Is a great doctor. I have been seeing him for years for my baclofen pump and I wouldn't trust anyone else.
Dr Kisanuki actually cares and does a thorough exam at each visit. His bedside manner is as good as his medical care.
Dr Kisanuki is very thorough and knowledgeable, he explains everything and shows concern about my health. Very good Doctor
Great listener, wonderful that the Dr spent as much time with me as needed
Extremely Excellent
I like my doctor
Dr. Kisanuki and I have been together as DOCTOR / Patient for quite a long time.He knows what's best for me and my Medtronic pump He's very caring and gives me the best care possible.
Kind, listened
Dr. Kisanuki is always the most polite, respectful and trustworthy doctor I have ever seen. Although I hate having ataxia, I always look forward to seeing him twice a year. I consider myself most fortunate to have him as my doctor.
Caring, observant, asks questions, makes you feel comfortable and taken care of.
Dr. Kisanuki is outstanding in his medical field. I have seen many doctors for my condition and Dr. Kisanuki is the best. He listens to your concerns, answers questions, evaluates your condition and explains the diagnosis in words that are easily understood.
Good
He's very thorough and takes as much time with me as needed
Very interested in my condition; excellent communication
Dr Kisanuki is very caring and genuine. I appreciate his honesty and answers to all my questions. He's without a doubt my favorite Doctor because he is so forthcoming with important information about my condition.
Love I found a dr who understands my condition. So grateful.
All good
I really enjoy my visits with Dr. Kisanuki. He is so knowledgeable and takes his time.
He is always very conscientious and respectful as well as knowledgeable about my disease.
All of my care providers that I have seen has been very helpful and supportive on trying to figure my condition out
Dr Kisanuki is the best. Takes time with you, answers any questions, just a very good physician. Very happy with him
He was very knowledgeable about CADASIL and spent the time to answer my questions. He took his time to perform a thorough assessment of me and take a proper medical history.
Great time spent with Dr. Plenty of time. Did not feel rushed
Knowledgeable
Excellent
At times he forgot my extreme pain issues with walking, standing or sitting. My
Not a good listener. Real cocky.
Everyone was very friendly and professional.
Excellent provider.
Dr. K. Is very helpful and empathetic.
He was friendly, and really took the time, to explain things. Wish he was my regular Dr. Would love to see him often, when needed.
Listened well; explained what's available
He talk to me first and then he gave me a complete exam, which was very extensive. He is very thorough when he examines me seems to be very concerned about my condition.
My physician is the best! He schedules my appointment several months ahead to assure of my well being! He is not only very knowledgeable about his medical field, but also as a caring person as well! I am very blessed to have him as my physician!
Very Good
Dr Kisanuki listened to what I had to say, asked questions relevant to my condition and was very patient with my hearing deficit to make sure I understood what he was saying. He broke down his explanation of my condition and what I should expect to happen with my condition going forward. He ordered standard lab work but explained why he wouldn't recommend non covered genetic testing in my situation.
Great
Dr Kisanuki always takes the necessary time with me to talk about my health. I've never had a more caring physician ever. I've got the only case of SCA17, of which there's no treatment for and no cure for. It'd be real easy for him to say there's no reason to see me but he hasn't done that