Akash Virupakshaiah

Dr. Akash Virupakshaiah is a neurologist who cares for children and adults with autoimmune diseases affecting the brain. His expertise encompasses diagnosing and treating complex neurological conditions that pose challenges to the patient's health and well-being, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (in which the immune system attacks nerves in the eye and spinal cord) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease, or MOGAD (in which the immune system attacks the tissue that protects neurons).

Virupakshaiah's research seeks to advance the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord, including through clinical trials (studies using human volunteers to evaluate promising treatments) and observational studies (tracking patients over time to gather insights on a particular disease and treatment effectiveness). His interests encompass neuroimmunology (the interplay between the immune and the nervous systems) and neuroimaging (advanced techniques for visualizing and analyzing brain structure and function), collaborating with researchers at UCSF and the U.S. Network of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Centers. In addition to developing more effective therapies that will improve patients' lives, he is exploring the impact of diet on multiple sclerosis and identifying biomarkers (substances in body fluids or tissues that can provide information related to a disease).

Virupakshaiah earned his medical degree at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Nemours Children's Health, an affiliate of Thomas Jefferson University, followed by a residency in child neurology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He completed a fellowship in multiple sclerosis and neuroimmunology at UCSF.

Virupakshaiah is passionate about landscape photography, especially during the magical golden and blue hours of sunrise and sunset. One of his favorite spots to capture these moments is Yosemite Valley, where he enjoys stargazing under the peaceful night sky.