Yasushi Kisanuki

Yasushi Kisanuki, MD

  • Neurology
  • Physician

Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology

Accepting new patients

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

  • Neurofibroma
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases

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-Neurolo
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
    4.8 out of 5
  • Shows Respect
    4.9 out of 5
  • Time Spent Together
    4.9 out of 5
  • Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

    Kind, listened

  • Reviewed on Sep 29, 2024

    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.

  • Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

    Caring, observant, asks questions, makes you feel comfortable and taken care of.

  • Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

    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.

  • Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024

    Good

  • Reviewed on Sep 14, 2024

    He's very thorough and takes as much time with me as needed

  • Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024

    Very interested in my condition; excellent communication

  • Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

    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.

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 09/30/2024, 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.

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