Joseph LaPorta, DO

Neuroimmunology and Stroke Expert

Dr. Joseph LaPorta is a vascular neurologist and neuro-hospitalist specializing in Neurology and Stroke at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. With a focus on vascular neurology and atypical neuroimmunology, Dr. LaPorta provides exceptional care to patients suffering from severely disabling and complex disorders. He leverages neurological advancements to reverse and even cure these conditions, enabling patients to embark on their path forward. 

He is involved in both inpatient and outpatient neurology care and takes acute stroke call as part of the UC Comprehensive Stroke Center team. He has specific clinical interests in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke as well as rare autoimmune neurologic conditions such as autoimmune encephalitis, paraneoplastic neurologic disease, neurosarcoidosis, neuro-rheumatologic diseases, and central nervous system vasculitis. Dr. LaPorta combines his hospitalist training with neuroimmunology, uniquely equipping him to provide exceptional care for inpatient neuro-immunologic cases. 

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. LaPorta is an active researcher. He is involved in epidemiology research in stroke, striving to understand trends and outcomes in hopes to help pioneer future treatments. Dr. LaPorta brings the latest insights and options directly to his patients. He is also engaged in autoimmune neurology trials, including the ExTINGUISH trial, aimed at developing an FDA-approved treatment for NMDA-Encephalitis, a rare and devastating disease. Furthermore, Dr. LaPorta engages in the creation of a comprehensive database to evaluate patients with neurologic disorders related to cancer and chemotherapy.

A Collaborator and Teacher

Dr. LaPorta's commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards for education at the medical student and resident levels. He is a passionate educator, sharing his knowledge and expertise with future healthcare professionals and helping to direct the neuroscience course at UCCOM.

Collaboration is vital to Dr. LaPorta's practice. As a vascular neurologist and neuro-hospitalist, he partners with the neurosurgery and cardiology departments at UC Health and beyond. His training in neuroimmunology allows him to manage patients alongside the oncology, pulmonology, and rheumatology teams.

Dr. LaPorta spends his free time with his wife Alissa and their dogs, Willow and Maple, and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and playing sports like basketball, pickleball and golf.