Department of Neurology

In our department, we conduct a variety of research projects to answer questions that arise while treating patients.

Neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy are characterized by damage to the nerve fibers in the white matter in the early stages. We analyze the volumetric loss and fiber disorder of the white matter in neurological diseases, and use MRtrix3, an analysis software for diffusion-weighted images, to analyze and pattern the characteristics of each disease in which white matter damage occurs, and conduct research and analysis to help with diagnosis.

Myotonic dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Brain disorders such as cognitive impairment, drowsiness, and memory impairment reduce the quality of life of patients. In our department, we are conducting research to find treatments by elucidating molecular pathology using MRI image analysis and autopsy brain samples.

Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy is a disease that causes walking difficulties and delayed psychomotor development in childhood. Using a mouse model of this intractable disease, we have discovered that a mechanism called autophagy is involved in the pathology and are analyzing the details.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune disease mediated mainly by autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. The Japan MG Registry (JAMG-R) Study Group is a multi-center joint survey that investigates, registers, and tracks clinical data, and disseminates internationally information on issues in MG treatment, as well as treatment goals and treatment strategies for them. Our department has participated in the survey since the fourth one in 2021, and is investigating and analyzing the relationship between treatment contents and treatment outcomes.