Yale’s Department of Neurology has been at the forefront of cutting-edge clinical care and scientific discovery since it began in 1952. It was Yale scientists who discovered the genes that cause Multiple Sclerosis. Yale housed one of the first epilepsy monitoring units in the country, and one of the first stroke centers at its partner, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Center in West Haven. Today, our team of experienced doctors are committed to understanding and treating the entire spectrum of nervous system diseases. Expert physicians specialize in brain and nerve health for both children and adults. Specialized care is offered in the following areas: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, neuromuscular disorders Alzheimer’s disease/cognitive disorders Epilepsy and neurophysiology General neurology, headache, pain Multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology Neurodegenerative disorders Neurocritical care Neurological infections Neuro-oncology Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders Stroke and vascular neurology

The Yale Multiple Sclerosis Center is a multidisciplinary service that evaluates and treats patients with suspected or diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic central nervous system disease that causes symptoms ranging from numbness to weakness. Up to 10% of MS patients are diagnosed before the age of 18. The disease has different effects in these younger patients whose brains are still developing. The Yale Multiple Sclerosis Center offers streamlined resources including sophisticated brain imaging, pharmacy, an infusion center, and phlebotomy. A specialized nurse is available to answer questions about disease-modifying therapies. Social work and nutrition consultants are available. In addition, there are opportunities to participate in MS clinical trials, research studies, and regularly scheduled clinical care conferences. Pediatric neurologist, Naila Makhani, MD, MPH, evaluates and treats these younger patients. She has significant experience in MS, receives funding from Race to Erase MS and participates in clinical trials for MS therapies in children. Dr. Makhani sees children under 12 years of age at the Long Wharf Medical Center (1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven) and children 13 and older at the Yale Multiple Schlerosis Center (6 Devine St. in North Haven)—a 10-minute drive from the main Yale Medical Center campus.

At the Yale Multiple Sclerosis Center, patients may receive all of their care in one easy-to-access location. Our team provides comprehensive care to patients at a state-of-the-art facility in North Haven featuring advanced MRI scanners, a clinical laboratory, and dedicated infusion center. Our expert neurologists collaborate with experienced nurses, therapists, and social workers to care for patients at all stages of disease. In addition to patients with multiple sclerosis, we treat patients with neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, and other neuroimmune disorders. MS Access is a program designed to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). For patients with multiple sclerosis, we believe an accurate, timely diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to a patient's overall well-being. We also understand that a potential diagnosis of MS can be overwhelming, and a long wait to see a specialist can cause needless anxiety and frustration. We developed MS Access to address these issues. The physicians at the Yale Multiple Sclerosis Center will expedite initial visits for individuals about whom another doctor (e.g. primary care doctor, general neurologist, or ophthalmologist) is concerned regarding a new diagnosis of MS or optic neuritis. We will work to see these patients urgently, arrange for any necessary diagnostic imaging or lab work, and address treatment options early. To take advantage of this program, referring physicians can call our MS Clinic in North Haven, CT, at 203-287-6100 and let staff know that the referral is for MS Access. Patients who have been recently diagnosed with MS or who suspect that they might have it can ask their physician to refer them to the Yale Multiple Sclerosis Center.