Autoimmune neurology
A history of innovation and discovery
The Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory was the first to introduce comprehensive serological evaluations for the diagnosis of paraneoplastic neurologic autoimmune disorders, a group of disorders in which unusual neurologic signs and symptoms are the initial manifestations of cancer.
The laboratory continues to discover and clinically validate novel autoantibody profiles that inform neurological decision-making and guide the search for cancer, leading an evolution in autoimmune neurology diagnosis. Powered by expertise from our research labs, clinical labs, and Autoimmune Neurology Clinic, we have developed panels customized to address specific phenotypes. This approach delivers more clinically actionable results, providing a clear picture of the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.
“Clinicians are used to looking for patterns in their clinical work, and we’re transferring that expertise into a clinical laboratory space. That’s not something that you learn overnight — it’s gained with experience over years.”
Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D.
News and updates
The latest
Find out how our testing uses neurofascin 155 IgG4 antibodies as a specific marker of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
Learn more about our CNS demyelinating disease testing through this case study focused on MOG-IgG as a marker of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Register now – May 19, 2026 This webinar will discuss how autoimmune neurology testing has changed with expanding antibody discovery and why a patient-first, phenotype-specific approach improves test selection and interpretation.
In this presentation, Eoin Flanagan, M.B., B.Ch., a leading specialist in neuroimmunology at Mayo Clinic, provides a clear and clinically focused overview of autoimmune conditions that affect the developing nervous system.
Learn more about how Precision Epilepsy testing at Mayo Clinic Laboratories enables a holistic diagnostic care experience that supports better outcomes for patients with epilepsy.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories invites you to explore our latest microlearning on neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). In this concise educational module, Sean Pittock, M.D., explains the critical role of AQP4-IgG testing in the early diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD.
In this video, Dr. Vijay Ramanan shares perspectives on rational approaches to testing in the cognitive neurology, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia settings.
November 3, 2025 - In this video, Dr. Andrew McKeon describes how the field of autoimmune neurology testing has changed with the explosion of antibody discovery and discusses the importance of a patient-first, phenotype-based approach.
September 29, 2025 - This session provides an in depth overview of evolving diagnostic approaches in neuroimmunology.
After mysterious neurological symptoms began in 2010, Brad Karon, M.D., Ph.D., was diagnosed with paraneoplastic syndrome, a rare condition that led to groundbreaking research and test development at Mayo Clinic. Years later, pulmonary fibrosis and a double lung transplant would test him once again — and redefine his resilience.
The fifth episode of “Life of a Specimen” video series highlights Joy Carol’s treatment journey after Mayo Clinic Laboratories antibody testing identified a paraneoplastic autoimmune disorder as the cause of her life-threatening symptoms.
After years of misdiagnosis, Tyler Hart found answers at Mayo Clinic, discovering he had NF155-IgG4 autoimmune nodopathy instead of CIDP
The fourth episode of “Life of a Specimen” video series explores the diagnosis enabled by antibody testing on Joy Carol’s cerebrospinal cord fluid and how her test result illuminated a path forward.