Yasushi Kisanuki

Yasushi Kisanuki, MD

  • Neurology
  • Physician

Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology

Accepting new patients
4.9 out of 5
  • 151 Patient Satisfaction Ratings
  • 46 Patient Comments

Insurances We Accept

614-293-4969

About Me

I am a neurologist focused on diagnosing and treating neurogenetic disorders affecting the central nervous system including hereditary cerebellar ataxia, spastic paraplegia, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and other rare disorders. I also specialize in managing conditions such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, and neurological issues caused by a stroke or spinal cord injury. I commonly administer therapies using an implanted device called an intrathecal baclofen pump, which involves collaboration with neurosurgeons to put in place. I have been honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2018.

I was inspired to pursue a career in clinical medicine while working as a molecular biologist and neuroscience researcher. I have always been fascinated by genetics and interested in advancing our understanding of genetic functions. Neurogenetic disorders often have no established cure, and even diagnosing such disorders can be a challenge that is frustrating for patients. My clinical research is focused on strategies to improve our diagnostic capabilities, enhancing treatments and finding cures.

I am currently participating in clinical studies centered on spinocerebellar ataxia, primary lateral sclerosis and other rare neurogenetic disorders. Through collaborative efforts, my teams and I published guidelines for diagnosis of primary lateral sclerosis and a recommended clinical scale to measure the disease’s severity.

The access to resources and the ability to collaborate with such exceptional multidisciplinary teams here at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center helps me to treat and study the most complex and rare disorders. It is a privilege to be part of this team and be able to treat such a diverse patient population, as well.

In addition to my clinical and research responsibilities, my role includes helping to train future physicians. As director of the Department of Neurology residency program, I supervise medical students and neurology residents in inpatient settings and in my clinic. I always enjoy such interactions because medical students often ask very unbiased, insightful questions related to the pathophysiology of neurologic disorders. I am also a fellow of both the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association.

When I’m not working, I enjoy long-distance bike rides, playing with my cats and traveling internationally.
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

Procedures and Conditions I Treat

  • Niemann-Pick Diseases
  • Neurofibromatoses
  • Mitochondrial Diseases
  • Ataxia
  • Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary
  • Leukoencephalopathies
  • Cerebellar Ataxia

Locations Where I Practice

Neurology

in Outpatient Care Gahanna
920 N. Hamilton Road
Suite 500
Gahanna, OH 43230
614-293-4969

Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.

Education and Training

Education History

Medical School

University of Tokyo, Tokyo 114-0033, Japan
4/1/1990 - 3/31/1994

Residency

Tokyo University Hospital, Tokyo
6/1/1994 - 11/30/1994

Fellowship

UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
12/1/1994 - 6/30/2001

Internship

St. Joseph Mercy Health System, Ann Arbor, MI
7/1/2001 - 6/30/2002

Residency

University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI
7/1/2002 - 6/30/2005

Fellowship

University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI
7/1/2005 - 8/31/2007

Board Certification

American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology-Neurology
5/14/2006

Academic Information

My Department

Neurology

My Division

General Neurology

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.

151 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

  • Overall
    4.9 out of 5
  • Explains Things Carefully
    4.9 out of 5
  • Listens Carefully
    4.9 out of 5
  • Gives Understandable Instructions
    4.9 out of 5
  • Knows My Medical History
    4.9 out of 5
  • Shows Respect
    4.9 out of 5
  • Time Spent Together
    4.9 out of 5
  • Reviewed on Feb 19, 2024

    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.

  • Reviewed on Feb 17, 2024

    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!

  • Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

    Very Good

  • Reviewed on Feb 07, 2024

    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.

  • Reviewed on Feb 04, 2024

    Great

  • Reviewed on Feb 03, 2024

    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

  • Reviewed on Jan 29, 2024

    Great.

  • Reviewed on Jan 24, 2024

    GOOD

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 09/30/2022, Dr. Kisanuki has reported no relationships with companies or entities.

Subscribe. Get just the right amount of health and wellness in your inbox.