Neuro-Immunology - Multiple Sclerosis Center

The Yale Multiple Sclerosis Center provides comprehensive care to patients with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis and other neuroimmune disorders. Expert, fellowship-trained neurologists collaborate with experienced nurses, therapists and social workers to care for patients at all stages of disease. Our state-of-the-art facility in North Haven, CT boasts easy parking and handicapped access. Advanced MRI scanners, a clinical laboratory and an infusion center are on-site.

In addition to receiving expert clinical care, patients at the Yale MS Center have the opportunity to participate in the rich and vibrant culture of biomedical research at Yale. The Center is at the cutting edge of clinical MS research and participates in numerous clinical trials. Additionally, through our collaborative efforts with Human Translational Immunology and the Department of Immunobiology, patients have the opportunity to contribute to the basic research which is fundamental to advancing our understanding of multiple sclerosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), which causes a respiratory disease. This is a rapidly evolving situation and questions regarding the use of Multiple Sclerosis disease modifying therapies during this outbreak are being raised. 

You are not at increased risk of infection due to having a diagnosis of MS, neuromyelitis optica, or any other neuroimmune disease. However, many of the medications used to treat these diseases do lower the immune system, and therefore, may put you at increased risk of infection with COVID-19. 

The National MS Society's National Medical Advisory Committee recommends the following:

1. People with MS should following CDC guidelines and these additional recommendations for people at risk for serious illnesses fro COVID-19.

2. People with MS should continue their MS disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and discuss specific risks with their MS healthcare provider prior to stopping a DMT.

*While all MS medications affect the immune system, each does so in a different way. While there are no data on the risk of COVID-19 in patients taking MS DMTs, we believe that the risk likely varies depending on the specific medication.  

*People on Gilenya and Tysabri are at high risk of MS relapses if they suddenly stop their medication, so this is not advisable.  

*Whether to make adjustments to other MS treatments depends on other factors, including age, other medical conditions, and exposure risks. You should discuss concerns directly with your MS physician.  

3. Before starting a cell depleting DMT (e.g. Ocrevus, Lemtrada) or a DMT that carries warnings of potentially severe increases in disability after stopping (e.g. Gilenya, Tysabri), people with MS and their MS healthcare providers should consider specific risks (e.g. age, cormorbid health conditions, location) and benefits. 

These recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the Yale MS physicians. They are based on a statement by the National Medical Advisory Committee, developed based on their clinical experience and assessment of the limited data available regarding COVID-19 and MS DMTs. They have been endorsed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and members of the MS Coalition. We are continuing to monitor this quickly evolving situation, and these recommendations may be modified as more data becomes available.