Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Program

Getting an accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most important steps in your care journey. Because MS can mimic other neurological conditions, it requires specialized testing, advanced imaging, and expert evaluation by a neurologist who understands the complexities of this disease. At Hoag, our MS & Neuroimmunology Program is dedicated to providing clarity and confidence for patients seeking answers.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

A misdiagnosis can delay the right treatment, cause unnecessary exposure to medications, and allow MS to progress unchecked. Early, precise diagnosis ensures that treatment can begin sooner, helping to preserve brain and spinal cord function and prevent long-term disability.

Advanced Imaging with Icometrix

Hoag is one of the few centers to integrate Icometrix, an advanced artificial intelligence tool that enhances MRI imaging. This technology provides detailed measurements of brain volume, lesion load, and subtle changes that may not be visible on standard scans. By using Icometrix, our specialists gain a clearer picture of disease activity, making it possible to diagnose MS earlier and track its progression with greater accuracy. While this technology enhances the imaging of the brain, it's the specialist who makes the diagnosis based on years of training and understanding of multiple sclerosis and how the lesions present on these images.

The Role of a Specialist Neurologist

MS is a complex disease that requires the expertise of a neurologist trained in MS and neuroimmunology. General neurology care may miss subtle signs or lead to delays in diagnosis. At Hoag, our patients benefit from comprehensive evaluations that consider medical history, neurological exam, bloodwork, spinal fluid analysis, and advanced imaging. This thorough process reduces the risk of misdiagnosis and ensures the most effective treatment plan.

What to Expect in the Diagnostic Process

At Hoag, your evaluation may include:

• Detailed neurological exam – assessing strength, coordination, reflexes, vision, and sensation.

• Advanced MRI scans with Icometrix – providing objective measurements of brain and spinal cord changes.

• Lumbar puncture (spinal fluid test) – detecting inflammatory markers that support MS diagnosis.

• Blood tests – ruling out other autoimmune or infectious conditions that can mimic MS.

This comprehensive approach allows us to move beyond uncertainty and provide a clear diagnosis, so you and your care team can begin building a personalized treatment plan.

Why Choose Hoag

With advanced imaging, world-class expertise, and a patient-first philosophy, Hoag offers one of the most trusted MS diagnostic programs in the region. Our goal is not only to identify the disease accurately but also to guide patients with compassion and clarity from the very first appointment.

While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), there are many effective treatments that can slow the progression of the disease, reduce relapses, and improve quality of life. At Hoag, we personalize each care plan to meet the unique needs of every patient.

Advancing the Future of MS Care Through Innovation

Thanks to the generosity of the Hoag Foundation Innovators Fund for Research, Dr. Yasir Jassam and the Hoag MS & Neuroimmunology Program are leading the way in redefining how multiple sclerosis (MS) is diagnosed, treated, and even predicted. Dr. Jassam takes a three-pronged approach that combines the latest technology with forward-thinking research to improve the lives of people living with MS:

Improving Precision Medicine

Every person with MS experiences the disease differently, which is why personalized care is so important. At Hoag, patients benefit from advanced tools like the Octave blood test—a first in Southern California—that can determine the stage of disease, and ICOMETRIX MRI technology, which can reveal hidden signs of chronic active MS that standard scans often miss. By identifying the “central vein sign,” these scans help distinguish MS from other brain conditions, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and ensuring patients get the right treatment sooner.

A View Into the Future

Hoag is one of the select sites actively testing new therapies that aim to change the course of MS. Current clinical trials include medications for both relapsing and progressive forms of the disease, such as Remibrutinib (REMODEL-2) and Frexalimab (FREVIVA). These studies open doors to treatment options that may not be available anywhere else and give patients early access to therapies that could improve their long-term outcomes.

Predicting and Preventing MS Before It Starts

In an ambitious effort to stop MS before symptoms appear, Dr. Jassam is developing a Risk Index for MS (RIMS)—a scoring system that combines genetics, environment, lifestyle, and other known risk factors. When paired with blood biomarkers, this tool could identify individuals at high risk for developing MS, offering the possibility of early intervention years before the disease takes hold.

Together, these initiatives reflect Dr. Jassam’s bold vision: treat MS early, treat it aggressively when appropriate, and tailor care to each individual so they can achieve No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA)—the best possible outcome for patients today, and a brighter future for tomorrow.

The Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology Program in Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute offers a patient-centered and comprehensive approach to the treatment and management of MS. As part of this program, the Hoag Multiple Sclerosis Hope Center offers patients non-clinical programs in a supportive environment.

Our multidisciplinary team is here to help patients and their families gain a better understanding of the disease and learn how best to manage symptoms. With an educational focus, the Hope Center offers a variety of classes and services beyond routine doctor’s appointments. Patients will acquire tools to strengthen the skills needed to manage everyday tasks at any stage along the MS journey.

Group sessions will offer beneficial peer support along with clinical experts specializing in the unique needs of MS patients. Our team brings participants together who are in similar disease stages and incorporates opportunities to share personal experiences with one another. The goal of this exceptional program is to optimize well-being and provide hope for those afflicted with MS.

Services and educational sessions include:

• Pilates

• Yoga

• Guided meditation

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Dietary services

• Anti-inflammatory meal preparation classes

• Fitness classes

• Strength and balance education

• Fatigue management

• Stress-reduction and communication techniques

2025 educational sessions:

• 2-13-25: Multiple Sclerosis and Dietary recommendations:

  A registered dietician will present on hot topics of MS and diet recommendations. Review of supplements will also be done. Please come hungry we will be meal prepping with our expert dietician and Occupational Therapist.

• 3-13-25: Stretching

  To target several areas at once that are prone to tightness for people with MS. Guided mediation will also be included. This session will be led by a Licensed Physical Therapist and certified personal trainer.

• 4-10-25: Guest presenter Anusha Wijeyakumar, MA, CPC, E-RYT, Dip Mentoring, Hoag Wellness Coach and Consultant:

  Anusha teaches yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices in a way that honors her students and her teaching style. Her teaching methodology is focused on alignment, breath and beginning the process of quieting the mind, and going within to discover lasting inner peace. Through mindfulness practices we cultivate attention, body awareness and emotional regulation which can help with many health issues related to MS. This session will focus on techniques for improved sleep.

• 5-8-25: Movement and Balance exercises:

  When it comes to movement and balance for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the focus is primarily on exercises that improve stability, coordination, and posture through activities like stretching, core strengthening, and specific balance drills. This session will be lead by physical therapy and a yoga instructor. This session will help manage symptoms like muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired balance associated with MS.

• 6-12-25: Stress and MS : Can meditation help?

  Common MS symptoms, including fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and stress can be difficult to manage. Guided meditation can help people with MS deal these symptoms. This session will be led by certified yoga instructor.

• 7-10-25: Sleep Hygiene

  Ensuring sufficient quality and quantity of sleep is essential for your overall well-being. By embracing healthy sleep habits, you will notice a significant improvement in your health, energy level and mood.

  This session will be led by a licensed occupational therapist and specialist in sleep hygiene.

• 8-14-25: Healthy Communication and working through adversity:

  This session will be lead by a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is passionate about counseling couples and individuals around sexual health and other relationship challenges. She has years of experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and self-esteem.

• 9-11-25: Driving safety:

  The goal of Hoag’s Driving Rehabilitation Program is to promote independence and ensure safety while using a vehicle. This program can help maintain a client’s independence, teach compensation strategies for physical, cognitive, and visual limitations, and ensure safety on the road. This session will focus on techniques which can improve driving ability.

• 10-9-25: Chair Yoga

  For people who struggle with traditional yoga, chair yoga can be a great alternative. Chair yoga includes the same elements as traditional yoga, including physical poses (asanas), meditation (dyana), and breathing techniques (pranayama). But the gentle practice modifies standard yoga poses so that you can do them. This session will be led by a certified yoga instructor.

• 11-13-25: Foods to avoid

  This session will be led by a registered dietician and focus on your questions about which foods to avoid. A review of health options to replace the unhealthy foods will be presented. Food preparation and a meal will be mad by each participant.

Location: 520 Superior Ave., Ste 100 Newport Beach, CA 92663

Cost: Free

Sessions will be held every second Thursday of the month from 4-6 pm. Enter the 520 Superior building on the first floor. Sessions are located in the physical therapy exercise room.

For more information, call 949-764-8141.