MSAbout the Division

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology Division within the Department of Neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is one of the most advanced and comprehensive programs in the United States. It brings together world-renowned clinicians, researchers and educators who specialize in MS and related diseases, making it a destination center for patients, as well as physicians, learners, and researchers from well beyond Central Ohio.

  • Complex neurological diseases like MS require a coordinated approach that leverages the latest diagnostic tools and innovative therapeutics, while simultaneously expanding knowledge through research and education. Our multidisciplinary team studies and treats all forms of MS, including the four general categories: clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS) and primary progressive (PPMS).
  • We also have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of related neuroinflammatory disorders that can be confused with MS, such as neuromyelitis optica (NMO), MOG antibody related disease, neurosarcoidosis, autoimmune encephalitis and rheumatic disorders that affect the nervous system.

We offer the latest disease-modifying therapies, symptomatic treatments and rehabilitative interventions with a goal of preventing relapses and slowing or halting neurological decline. These clinical advancements are strengthened by a robust research portfolio that includes fundamental studies on the causes of MS and active clinical trials of new therapies, conducted by a faculty ardently committed to training the next generation of MS specialists and neuro-immunologists.

Goals and highlights

Our immediate goal is to provide comprehensive, innovative and personalized care for the diagnosis and treatment of MS and related diseases that improves the quality of life for patients and their families. Our ultimate goal is to foster research that will lead to more effective disease-modifying therapies for progressive and relapsing forms of MS, and eventually a cure. We are focused on developing interventions that initiate healing in the nervous system and restoring lost neurological functions to individuals with MS and other disorders.

  • Depending on the needs of individual patients, the clinical care team may include a neurologist, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, infusion nurse, social worker, neuropsychologist, neuroradiologist, sleep and fatigue specialist, urologist, physical/occupational therapist, speech therapist, psychiatrist and ophthalmologist.
  • The latest diagnostic tools inform more effective and targeted treatment plans. This includes 3 Tesla MRI, optical coherence tomography, evoked potential tests and rapid onsite laboratory analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluids.
  • Our dedicated team of clinical trial coordinators and internationally recognized research labs study the pathogenesis of MS and related conditions, keeping us at the forefront of medical innovation and knowledge.
  • Daily collaboration and active engagement with medical students, neurology residents and MS fellows challenge the entire team to keep informed about the latest research findings.
  • We offer an internationally prominent MS research laboratory program investigating the pathogenesis of MS and exploring novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to increase the accuracy of diagnosis and drive the discovery of superior and safer treatments. The program is supported by Department of Neurology Chair Benjamin Segal, MD, along with an associate professor, six assistant professors and two postdoctoral fellows and a team of technicians and graduate students.
  • We offer a specialized MS and neuroimmunology rotation to train medical students and neurology residents about expert diagnosis and treatment of neuroimmunological disorders, and a clinical MS fellowship program.

Tirisham GyangWelcome from Division Director,
Tirisham Gyang, MD

Medical professionals, scientists and students focused on MS and neuroimmunology research — ranging from fundamental approaches using animal models to investigator-initiated clinical studies and trials — will find a rich and supportive environment at The Ohio State University. We offer a collaborative atmosphere that promotes rigor and innovation, and we are dedicated to advancing global knowledge about MS and related disorders.


Centers and specialty clinics

  • MS and Neuroimmunology Center
  • Specialty clinics under MS
  • Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Clinic: Patients’ symptoms are reviewed, and a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategic plan is developed to improve the well-being of the patient. The plan is implemented through the Multiple Sclerosis Symptomatic Clinic.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Symptomatic Clinic: This multidisciplinary clinic is staffed by a team of specialists that evaluates and treats a range of MS-related symptoms, including fatigue, mood disorders/depression, cognitive/memory issues, spasticity, imbalance and unsteady or labored gait, weakness, incoordination, speech and swallowing difficulties, pain and bladder dysfunction.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Psychotherapy Clinic: This clinic focuses on promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of individuals with MS.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Sleep Disorder Clinic: This clinic was developed to assess the causes of fatigue and sleepiness, which are common symptoms in MS. Patients are evaluated to determine if they have a sleep disorder. Interventions can improve sleep quality and combat fatigue.
  • Neurorheumatology Clinic: This clinic is for individuals with neurological complications of rheumatic disorders, such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
  • Neurosarcoidosis Clinic: This clinic is for individuals with neurological complications of sarcoidosis.

Programs and services

  • In-house infusion suite for convenient administration of intravenous therapies. 
  • Dedicated MS pharmacist who provides patient consultations, pre-treatment screening and long-term monitoring for side effects.

Residency and Fellowship

The Department of Neurology at the Ohio State University has a long history of a dedicated commitment to education. We have world-class faculty and staff, state-of-the-art amenities, and novel technologies, all of which enables trainees to gain experience in the management of complex pathologies and apply innovative and high-quality medical care for a diverse patient population. Learn more about our residency and fellowship programs.

Multiple Sclerosis Center and Program in Neuroimmunology

Tirisham Gyang

Tirisham Gyang, MD

  • Director, Mutliple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Division
Erica Dawson, PhD

Erica Dawson, PhD

  • Associate Professor, Director of Neuropsychology, Director of the Neurocognitive Wellness and Therapy Program
Kristi Epstein, MSN, APRN-CNP, CCRN

Kristi Epstein, MSN, APRN-CNP, CCRN

  • Advanced Practice Provider - Multiple Sclerosis and Headache Divisions

Research and clinical trials

There are a number of active MS clinical trials at Ohio State.

Learn more

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