Tysabri® (natalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody therapy used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) in adults. Unlike therapies that deplete specific immune cells, Tysabri works by blocking the movement of immune cells into the brain and spinal cord, where they can cause inflammation and nerve damage.
What makes Tysabri unique is its mechanism of action—it prevents immune cells from entering the central nervous system by blocking the alpha-4 integrin protein, keeping harmful immune cells in the bloodstream instead. This targeted approach makes Tysabri a powerful high-efficacy treatment option for individuals with MS, helping to reduce relapses, slow disease progression, and limit new lesion formation in the brain.
Tysabri infusion is administered at our specialized infusion center. The typical treatment schedule includes:
After 12 infusions with no hypersensitivity reactions, your healthcare provider may adjust the observation period based on clinical judgment.
In multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system attacks the myelin sheath — the protective layer that insulates and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damaging immune activity occurs when harmful immune cells pass through the blood-brain barrier—a protective membrane that normally shields the central nervous system from potentially dangerous substances in the bloodstream.
Tysabri works through a unique mechanism that differs from other MS therapies:
This targeted approach makes Tysabri particularly effective compared to other MS treatments. While anti-CD20 therapies work by depleting B-cells throughout the body, Tysabri specifically prevents immune cells from entering the central nervous system while leaving the rest of the immune system relatively intact. This difference in mechanism leads to distinct side effect profiles and management considerations.
While not a cure, Tysabri helps stabilize MS activity, reduce flare-ups, and preserve nerve health over time. Tysabri starts working after the first dose, with many patients noticing beneficial effects within 12 weeks of starting Tysabri infusion treatment.
As a disease-modifying therapy, Tysabri is primarily intended to prevent new lesions and slow disease progression rather than immediately alleviate existing symptoms. Some patients may experience an adjustment period with initial side effects that typically subside within four months of continued treatment.
Because Tysabri requires careful Tysabri infusion monitoring due to potential serious side effects, it's only available through the TOUCH Prescribing Program, a restricted distribution program that ensures proper patient monitoring and safety protocols.
Common Tysabri infusion side effects include:
Serious Tysabri infusion side effects require immediate medical attention:
Your healthcare team provides comprehensive Tysabri infusion monitoring throughout your treatment, including observation during and after each infusion, regular MRI scans, and ongoing assessment for any neurological changes.
Tysabri infusion cost varies depending on your insurance provider and coverage. Our team at MS & Neuromuscular Center of Excellence works closely with patients to ensure affordable, accessible care.
We partner with most major insurance carriers throughout the region, including Aetna, BayCare, Advent Health, Cigna, AvMed, Assurant, and others.
Our staff provides comprehensive support to make treatment more accessible:
Our infusion center is led by board-certified neurologists and staffed by BSN-prepared Registered Nurses who specialize in infusion therapy for neurological disorders. Our team is fully trained in the TOUCH Program requirements and provides expert Tysabri infusion monitoring throughout your treatment.
Our comprehensive monitoring protocol includes:
Our clinical expertise extends beyond MS to include comprehensive care for myasthenia gravis, neuropathy, and other neurological conditions.
We manage prior authorizations, verify benefits, and help patients find copay and financial support programs to make Tysabri IV infusion more affordable.
A recent Cigna report shows that many patients treated at physician-owned infusion sites like MS & Neuromuscular Center of Excellence's Infusion Center experience lower out-of-pocket expenses than those treated in hospital settings.
Proudly serving patients across the region with expert, compassionate neurological care for more than 35 years. Our decades of experience with high-efficacy MS therapies means we understand both the remarkable benefits and the important safety considerations of Tysabri infusion treatment.
Referral Form:
Tysabri®What It Treats:
Crohn’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
FDA Approval:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Approved on November 23, 2004
Crohn’s Disease: Approved on January 14, 2008
Manufacturer:
Biogen
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.
I had a great experience with Dr Cascione. He is the go to for MS. Extremely knowledgeable. Answered all my questions. He took lots of time with me. I checked in, and they took me right away.The staff is very nice. Five stars from me.
I felt very comfortable with Dr Cascione. He is very knowledgeable I found I trusted him immediately which is rare for me I have been to many Md’s for my MS he knows what MS is all about.
Short wait, employees are friendly and helpful. Dr Cascione is very knowledgeable, patient and listens. He takes notes to remember everything you tell him and is very compassionate. He suggests new meds that may benefit you. Everyone in the office makes you feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Cascione is the best! I have been seeing him for a long time. He listens to what I have to say. He spends a lot of time in the room and when you are done you know he has gone over everything. He is compassionate, caring and just an over all good Dr. I highly recommend anyone who has Multiple Sclerosis to use him as your neurologist.
My daughter has MS, we had an appointment with Dr. Cascione and I have nothing but praises to say about this doctor. He spent so long in the room talking to me and my daughter about MS, treatment, and lifestyle choices to aid my daughter in understanding her MS. Dr. Cascione was so easy to talk to and so kind throughout the entire appointment.
I am a new patient and so far everything has been great.
Im so happy I found him he is caring and listens and will give you the best treatment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is an excellent doctor. He’s knowledgeable and competent. He and his staff are very friendly. I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Dr Sivakolundu was very thorough, caring, and listened to all my questions. He took his time and I felt I had his undivided attention through the entire appointment.
Dr. Sivakolundu is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. He takes his time, listens carefully, and never makes you feel rushed or dismissed. I truly appreciated his patience and professionalism. Highly recommend.
I saw Dr Sivakolundu for the first time yesterday and he did more for me in one appointment then my previous neuro did in 6 months. I feel blessed to have found him and totally trust my care in his hands.
Dr. Schneider and his team….WOW!!! I am super impressed on my first visit. Very knowledgeable, professional and kind. Dr. Schneider was thorough in addressing all my concerns and he sets the bar high for all other doctors! Their office is beautiful and comforting….again setting the bar high.
This was my first visit for migraines and Shreya Patel NP made me feel completely at ease. She took the time to answer every question and explained everything before we began. I highly recommend her and the entire staff.
Sherya Patel has been the kindest, patient, most helpful & professional ARPN I’ve ever encountered. She takes the time to answer all our questions. My husband and I have seen her for years and couldn’t be happier.
I am always pleased with Shreya! She is friendly and professional, answers all of my questions and my treatment is quick and virtually pain free.
Ms. Patel is extremely knowledgeable and understanding. I appreciate the efficiency of our visits as well as the thoroughness. My treatment plan approach is outstanding. The meds attack my dual diagnosis of different headaches and is very effective. She always confirms to make sure the efficacy of the treatment plan each visit. I feel extremely comfortable being in her care
She was great. Couldn't ask for anybody better. Hopefully, hopefully, he will keep up that good work and that communication. She listened well. I want to say that she needs to not change anything about herself
Dawn is attentive and compassionate regarding my ailments. Very informative, discusses all options of treatment. Most importantly I feel “Heard” and I feel safe with her
I had a wonderful experience with Dawn Rushe-Wilde, ARNP. She was very thorough in her exam and took the time to answer all my questions. I would highly recommend her!
Dawn came in the exam room fully prepared, including looking at the forms I had just brought in from a recent medical visit elsewhere. She is familiar with my history and asks for any updates from me. She explains things thoroughly, taking time to answer any questions and to make recommendations. Thank you, Dawn, for your excellent care
Dr. Jean-Raphael Schneider and his team are amazing. He truly listened to my migraine problems and have developed a plan to help me. Dr. Schneider's expertise in his field is evident, and it's clear that he is highly educated. I feel confident in his ability to help me overcome my migraines.
He is a 5 star migraine management specialist and I am grateful to have found him when I so desperately needed migraine relief. I wish he and all of his staff well
I am so grateful for Dr. Schneider and his staff. My 15 year old daughter started getting debilitating migraines about 2 years ago. His staff was incredible and was able to get her in to see him on short notice! He was thorough (poured over all her medical records), compassionate (made connections with my daughter through athletics), and really listened. I left his neurologist's office and felt a sense of hope. Thank you, Dr. Schneider and staff!!
I never leave reviews but Dr. Schneider is extremely helpful and reassuring. He personally called and went over my results multiple times and answered any question I had. He has extremely well bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. His staff is extremely nice as well!
Wonderful, caring neurology group with excellent listening skills and proactive modalities. "Dr" Dawn (APRN) is fabulous with botox. Love them.
Dawn Rush-Wild is very thorough doctor and a thoughtful listener. She provides options and doesn't push you into any of them. She has your best interests at heart.