Victor M. Rivera, M.D.

Professor of Neurology

Medical Director,
Maxine Mesinger MS Comprehensive Care Center

Clinical Service Area

Neurology

Specialty

Multiple Sclerosis
Optic Neuritis
Demyelinating Diseases

Board Certification

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology

Clinic Appointments

713-798-7707

Consult

713-798-7707

Medical School

M.D., Universidad Nacional Autonoma, Mexico City, Mexico

Internship

Internal Medicine, Manchester Memorial Hospital, Manchester, CT

Residency

Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Clinical Interests

Multiple sclerosis and demyelinating diseases, cerebral and spinal vascular disorders, general neurology

Clinic Location

Maxine Mesinger MS Comprehensive Care Center
Neurosensory Building
6501 Fannin, NB100
Houston, Texas 77030

Journal Publications
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Rivera VM. Multiple Sclerosis in Latin America. Reality and Challenge. Neuroepidemiology. 2009;32:294-295.

Ordonez L, Skromne E, Ontaneda D, Rivera VM. Multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2007;109:102-5.

Skromne E, Rivera VM, Ontaneda D, Ordonez L. Progression of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy despite treatment with beta-interferon. Neurology. 2006;66:1787-8; author reply 1787-8.

Rivera VM. The terms Latino and Anglo and tendency to early Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol. 2005;62:1787; author reply 1787-8.

Rivera VM. Clinical characteristics of African Americans vs Caucasian Americans with multiple sclerosis. Neurology. 2005;64:2163.

Rivera VM. Modafinil for the treatment of diminished responsiveness in a patient recovering from brain surgery. Brain Inj. 2005;19:725-7.

Hong J, Zang YC, Hutton G, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Gene expression profiling of relevant biomarkers for treatment evaluation in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol. 2004;152:126-39.

Hong J, Zang YC, Li S, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Ex vivo detection of myelin basic protein-reactive T cells in multiple sclerosis and controls using specific TCR oligonucleotide probes. Eur J Immunol. 2004;34:870-81.

Rivera VM. Esclerosis Multiple: Evidencias, genericos y similares. Rev Mex Neuroci. 2004;5:286-7.

Rivera-Olmos VM, Hutton GJ, Breitbach WT. Discrepancia entre clínica e imagen: esclerosis múltiple en fase intermedia. Presentación de un caso y revisión del tema [Discrepancy between clinics and image techniques: intermediate phase of multiple sclerosis. A case report and review of the literature]. Rev Mex Neuroci. 2004;5:158-62.

Zang YC, Li S, Rivera VM, Hong J, Robinson RR, Breitbach WT, Killian J, Zhang JZ. Increased CD8+ cytotoxic T cell responses to myelin basic protein in multiple sclerosis. J Immunol. 2004;172:5120-7.

Zang YC, Skinner SM, Robinson RR, Li S, Rivera VM, Hutton GJ, Zhang JZ. Regulation of differentiation and functional properties of monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells by interferon beta in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2004;10:499-506.

Frohman EM, Goodin DS, Calabresi PA, Corboy JR, Coyle PK, Filippi M, Frank JA, Galetta SL, Grossman RI, Hawker K, Kachuck NJ, Levin MC, Phillips JT, Racke MK, Rivera VM, Stuart WH. The utility of MRI in suspected MS: report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2003;61:602-11.

Frohman TC, Frohman EM, O'Suilleabhain P, Salter A, Dewey RB, Jr., Hogan N, Galetta S, Lee AG, Straumann D, Noseworthy J, Zee D, Corbett J, Corboy J, Rivera VM, Kramer PD. Accuracy of clinical detection of INO in MS: corroboration with quantitative infrared oculography. Neurology. 2003;61:848-50.

Rivera VM. [Deciding on treatment in multiple sclerosis]. Rev Neurol. 2003;36:80-5.

Tejada-Simon MV, Zang YC, Hong J, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Cross-reactivity with myelin basic protein and human herpesvirus-6 in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol. 2003;53:189-97.

Zang Y, Hong J, Robinson R, Li S, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Immune regulatory properties and interactions of copolymer-I and beta-interferon 1a in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol. 2003;137:144-53.

Zang YC, Hong J, Rivera VM, Killian J, Zhang JZ. Human anti-idiotypic T cells induced by TCR peptides corresponding to a common CDR3 sequence motif in myelin basic protein-reactive T cells. Int Immunol. 2003;15:1073-80.

Hong J, Tejada-Simon MV, Rivera VM, Zang YC, Zhang JZ. Anti-viral properties of interferon beta treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2002;8:237-42.

Rivera VM. II Congreso de LACTRIMS. Rev Neurol. 2002;35:1175-6.

Tejada-Simon MV, Hong J, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Skewed autoantibody reactivity to the extracellular domain of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in multiple sclerosis. Immunology. 2002;107:403-10.

Tejada-Simon MV, Zang YC, Hong J, Rivera VM, Killian JM, Zhang JZ. Detection of viral DNA and immune responses to the human herpesvirus 6 101-kilodalton virion protein in patients with multiple sclerosis and in controls. J Virol. 2002;76:6147-54.

Zang YC, Halder JB, Hong J, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Regulatory effects of estriol on T cell migration and cytokine profile: inhibition of transcription factor NF-kappa B. J Neuroimmunol. 2002;124:106-14.

Zhang JZ, Rivera VM, Tejada-Simon MV, Yang D, Hong J, Li S, Haykal H, Killian J, Zang YC. T cell vaccination in multiple sclerosis: results of a preliminary study. J Neurol. 2002;249:212-8.

Ciancio SJ, Mutchnik SE, Rivera VM, Boone TB. Urodynamic pattern changes in multiple sclerosis. Urology. 2001;57:239-45.

Rivera VM. [Neuroimaging in multiple sclerosis]. Rev Neurol. 2001;32:283-5.

Rivera VM. [Pharmacologic treatment of multiple sclerosis]. Rev Neurol. 2001;32:285-8.

Rivera VM. La Decada del Cerebro. Neurociencia. 2001;2:131.

Rivera VM, Cabrera JA. Aboriginals with multiple sclerosis: HLA types and predominance of neuromyelitis optica. Neurology. 2001;57:937-8.

Tejada-Simon MV, Hong J, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Reactivity pattern and cytokine profile of T cells primed by myelin peptides in multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals. Eur J Immunol. 2001;31:907-17.

Zang YC, Halder JB, Samanta AK, Hong J, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Regulation of chemokine receptor CCR5 and production of RANTES and MIP-1alpha by interferon-beta. J Neuroimmunol. 2001;112:174-80.

Hong J, Zang YC, Tejada-Simon MV, Li S, Rivera VM, Killian J, Zhang JZ. Reactivity and regulatory properties of human anti-idiotypic antibodies induced by T cell vaccination. J Immunol. 2000;165:6858-64.

Rivera VM. Introduccion al Simposio Latino Americano. Rev Neurol. 2000;31:469.

Rivera VM. Grupo de Estudio de EM (Mexico): Uso de Agentes Modificadores de la Enfermedad. Neurociencia. 2000;3:29-30.

Rivera VM. [The treatment of multiple sclerosis with beta-interferon 1a]. Rev Neurol. 2000;31:470-1.

Rivera VM, Cabrera JA. La Esclerosis Multiple en Latino America. MEDICO Interamericano. 2000;19:458-65.

Tejada-Simon MV, Zang YC, Yang D, Hong J, Li S, Singh RA, Van den Berg-Loonen E, Killian JM, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Aberrant T cell responses to myelin antigens during clinical exacerbation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Int Immunol. 2000;12:1641-50.

Zang YC, Hong J, Rivera VM, Killian J, Zhang JZ. Preferential recognition of TCR hypervariable regions by human anti-idiotypic T cells induced by T cell vaccination. J Immunol. 2000;164:4011-7.

Zang YC, Hong J, Tejada-Simon MV, Li S, Rivera VM, Killian JM, Zhang JZ. Th2 immune regulation induced by T cell vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Immunol. 2000;30:908-13.

Zang YC, Samanta AK, Halder JB, Hong J, Tejada-Simon MV, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Aberrant T cell migration toward RANTES and MIP-1 alpha in patients with multiple sclerosis. Overexpression of chemokine receptor CCR5. Brain. 2000;123 ( Pt 9):1874-82.

Zang YC, Yang D, Hong J, Tejada-Simon MV, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Immunoregulation and blocking antibodies induced by interferon beta treatment in MS. Neurology. 2000;55:397-404.

Hong J, Zang YC, Tejada-Simon MV, Kozovska M, Li S, Singh RA, Yang D, Rivera VM, Killian JK, Zhang JZ. A common TCR V-D-J sequence in V beta 13.1 T cells recognizing an immunodominant peptide of myelin basic protein in multiple sclerosis. J Immunol. 1999;163:3530-8.

Kil K, Zang YC, Yang D, Markowski J, Fuoco GS, Vendetti GC, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. T cell responses to myelin basic protein in patients with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol. 1999;98:201-7.

Kozovska ME, Hong J, Zang YC, Li S, Rivera VM, Killian JM, Zhang JZ. Interferon beta induces T-helper 2 immune deviation in MS. Neurology. 1999;53:1692-7.

Singh RA, Zang YC, Shrivastava A, Hong J, Wang GT, Li S, Tejada-Simon MV, Kozovska M, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Th1 and Th2 deviation of myelin-autoreactive T cells by altered peptide ligands is associated with reciprocal regulation of Lck, Fyn, and ZAP-70. J Immunol. 1999;163:6393-402.

Zang YC, Kozovska MM, Hong J, Li S, Mann S, Killian JM, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Impaired apoptotic deletion of myelin basic protein-reactive T cells in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Immunol. 1999;29:1692-700.

Kozovska M, Zang YC, Aebischer I, Lnu S, Rivera VM, Crowe PD, Boehme SA, Zhang JZ. T cell recognition motifs of an immunodominant peptide of myelin basic protein in patients with multiple sclerosis: structural requirements and clinical implications. Eur J Immunol. 1998;28:1894-901.

Zang YC, Kozovska M, Aebischer I, Li S, Boehme S, Crowe P, Rivera VM, Zhang JZ. Restricted TCR Valpha gene rearrangements in T cells recognizing an immunodominant peptide of myelin basic protein in DR2 patients with multiple sclerosis. Int Immunol. 1998;10:991-8.

Jerger J, Alford B, Lew H, Rivera V, Chmiel R. Dichotic listening, event-related potentials, and interhemispheric transfer in the elderly. Ear Hear. 1995;16:482-98.

Trujillo JR, Garcia-Ramos G, Novak IS, Rivera VM, Huerta E, Essex M. Neurologic manifestations of AIDS: a comparative study of two populations from Mexico and the United States. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol. 1995;8:23-9.

Safi HJ, Bartoli S, Hess KR, Shenaq SS, Viets JR, Butt GR, Sheinbaum R, Doerr HK, Maulsby R, Rivera VM. Neurologic deficit in patients at high risk with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: the role of cerebral spinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion. J Vasc Surg. 1994;20:434-44; discussion 442-3.

Crawford ES, Svensson LG, Hess KR, Shenaq SS, Coselli JS, Safi HJ, Mohindra PK, Rivera V. A prospective randomized study of cerebrospinal fluid drainage to prevent paraplegia after high-risk surgery on the thoracoabdominal aorta. J Vasc Surg. 1991;13:36-45; discussion 45-6.

Mawad ME, Rivera V, Crawford S, Ramirez A, Breitbach W. Spinal cord ischemia after resection of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms: MR findings in 24 patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1990;155:1303-7.

Rivera VM. Safety of intrathecal steroids in multiple sclerosis. Arch Neurol. 1989;46:718-9.

Jerger JF, Oliver TA, Chmiel RA, Rivera VM. Patterns of auditory abnormality in multiple sclerosis. Audiology. 1986;25:193-209.

Rivera VM. Multiple sclerosis. Is the mystery beginning to unfold? Postgrad Med. 1986;79:217-32.

Hannley M, Jerger JF, Rivera VM. Relationships among auditory brain stem responses, masking level differences and the acoustic reflex in multiple sclerosis. Audiology. 1983;22:20-33.

Rivera VM. Intraspinal steroid therapy. Neurology. 1981;31:1060-1.

Rivera VM, Grabois M, Deaton W, Breitbach W, Hines M. Modified snake venom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lack of clinical effectiveness. Arch Neurol. 1980;37:201-3.

Jankovic J, Rivera VM. Hereditary myoclonus and progressive distal muscular atrophy. Ann Neurol. 1979;6:227-31.

Jankovic J, Rivera V. Hereditary myoclonus and progressive muscular atrophy: a new syndrome. Trans Am Neurol Assoc. 1978;103:116-8.

Perez FI, Hruska NA, Stell RL, Rivera VM. Computerized assessment of memory performance in dementia. Can J Neurol Sci. 1978;5:307-12.

Rivera VM. Acute hypokalemic myopathy in alcoholism. Arch Neurol. 1978;35:619.

Rivera VM, Patten BM. Neuromyopathy in malignant hyperthermia. J Clin Psychiatry. 1978;39:67-71.

Guido EM, Rivera VM. Precordialgia as a manifestation of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1977;25:463-5.

Rivera VM. Viruses and multiple sclerosis. Jama. 1977;238:1247.

Rodriguez J, Rivera VM. Risk factors in stroke in a Mexican-American population (Houston). Neurol Neurocir Psiquiatr. 1977;18:225-34.

Perez FI, Gay JR, Taylor RL, Rivera VM. Patterns of memory performance in the neurologically impaired aged. Can J Neurol Sci. 1975;2:347-55.

Perez FI, Rivera VM, Meyer JS, Gay JR, Taylor RL, Mathew NT. Analysis of intellectual and cognitive performance in patients with multi-infarct dementia, vertebrobasilar insufficiency with dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1975;38:533-40.

Rivera VM, Breitbach WB, Swanke L. Letter: Dantrolene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Jama. 1975;233:863-4.

Rivera VM, Keichian AH, Oliver RE. Persistent parkinsonism following neuroleptanalgesia. Anesthesiology. 1975;42:635-7.

Poster and Platform Presentations
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Avila M, Prieto PG, Robles L, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Clinical and radiographic improvement of an acutely aggressive case of multiple sclerosis treated with cyclophosphamide. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:52-3.

Avila M, Robles L, Prieto P, Bernitsas E, Stosic M, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Prevalence of sleep disorders in multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:83.

Bernitsas E, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Deep brain stimulation in multiple sclerosis-related Holmes' tremor. Ann Neurol. 2009;66 Suppl 13:S40.

Bernitsas E, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Spasmodic dysphonia in MS: A rare symptom or a possible association? Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:31-2.

Bernitsas E, Stosic M, Hutton GH, Rivera VM. Seizures in MS patients: A retrospective study. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:32.

Herbert J, Rivera V, Ford C, Pace A, Hyde R. Effects of natalizumab on relapses and MRI outcomes in Hispanic patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), 25th Congress in Düsseldorf, Germany (Sept. 9-12, 2009).

Jeffery D, Rivera V. A post-hoc analysis of cumulative dose effects of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on clinical and MRI outcomes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Results over the long term. Neurology. 2009;72(11 Suppl 3):A237.

Jeffery D, Rivera V. Long-term effects of interferon beta-1a dose on relapse rate in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Results from a post- hoc analysis of PRISMS study data. Neurology. 2009;72(11 Suppl 3):A235-6.

Jeffery D, Rivera VM. Long-term sc IFN beta-1a treatment in RRMS: Cumulative dose effects. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:29-30.

Rivera V, Weinstock-Guttman B, Beagan J, Al-Sabbagh A, Bennett R, Dangond F. Final results from the Registry to Evaluate Novantrone Effects in Worsening Multiple Sclerosis study. European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), 25th Congress in Düsseldorf, Germany (Sept. 9-12, 2009).

Rivera VM, Jeffery D. Continuous vs non-continuous long-term sc IFN beta-1a treatment in RRMS. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:67.

Robles L, Prieto P, DeAlvare L, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Difusse white matter abnormalities and neurologic manifestations in a patient with anti-ro positive antibodies. Case Report.. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:43.

Robles L, Prieto P, Rivera VM, Hutton GJ. Occurrence of herpes zoster in multiple sclerosis patients treated with natalizumab. Int J MS Care. 2009;11 Suppl 2:43.

Avila M, Suarez GA, Brandt D, Ramirez J, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Menstrual cycle and menopause in patients with multiple sclerosis. How do these affect the symptoms of disease? Mult Scler. 2008;14 Suppl 1:S155.

Bernitsas E, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Marburg's disease and neuromyelitis optica in brother/sister. National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), Tykeson Fellows Conference in Chicago, Illinois (Nov. 4-7, 2008).

Chaliman RT, Perez FI, Suarez GA, Rivera VM, Hutton GJ. Longitudinal individualized analysis of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2008;14 Suppl 1:S152.

Rivera V, AL-Sabbagh A, Bennett R, Coyle P, Elias S, Mikol D, Panitch H, Rolak LA, Sheremata W, Weinstock-Guttman B, Fox E, for the RENEW Study Group. RENEW study update XVIII: Ongoing evaluation of the safety and tolerability of mitoxantrone in worsening multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2008;14 Suppl 1:S157.

Suarez GA, Avila M, Brandt D, Rivera VM, Hutton GJ. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2008;14 Suppl 1:S223.

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Pena JA, Avila M, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Frequency and severity of restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis: A population study from southeast Texas. Neurology. 2008;70(11 Suppl 1):A334.

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Ramirez J, Avila M, Brandt D, Escobar BH, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Silent MRI white matter lesions in patients with CIS suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2008;10 Suppl 1:52.

Avila M, Ramirez J, Suarez-Zambrano GA, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Multiple sclerosis and antiphospholipid syndrome: Case report. Mexican Academy of Neurology, 31st Annual Meeting in Monterrey, Mexico (Oct. 31 - Nov. 5, 2007).

Avila M, Suarez-Zambrano GA, Ramirez J, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Encefalomielitis diseminada recurrente y multifásica reporte de 2 casos. Mexican Academy of Neurology, 31st Annual Meeting in Monterrey, Mexico (Oct. 31 - Nov. 5, 2007). [Recurrent Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: Report of 2 Cases]

Hutton GJ, Avila M, Suarez-Zambrano GA, Ramirez J, Rivera VM. Recurrent disseminated encephalomyelitis: Report of 2 cases. European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), 23rd Congress in Prague, Czech Republic (Oct. 11-14, 2007).

Hutton GJ, Suarez-Zambrano GA, Jafree I, Landero S, Avila M, Rivera VM. Is restless legs syndrome more frequent and severe in the multiple sclerosis population? Study in multiple sclerosis patients from southeast Texas. European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), 23rd Congress in Prague, Czech Republic (Oct. 11-14, 2007).

Jafree I, Hashmi K, Landero S, Suarez G, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Int J MS Care. 2007;9(2):65.

Landero S, Rivera VM, Hutton GJ, Suarez-Zambrano GA, Ramirez J. Behavior of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy and after delivery. Int J MS Care. 2007;9(2):67.

Rivera VM, Al-Sabbagh A, Bennett R, Coyle P, Mikol D, Panitch H, Fox E, Rolak L, Sheremata W, Elias S. Ongoing evaluation of the safety and tolerability of mitoxantrone in worsening multiple sclerosis: The RENEW study. Neurology. 2007;68(12 Suppl 1):A275.

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Avila M, Landero S, Jafree I, Escobar BH, Ramirez J, Brandt D, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Experiencia con natalizumab en 40 pacientes con esclerosis multiple exacerbacion remision. Colombian Academy of Neurology, VIII Meeting in Cali, Colombia (Aug. 16-19, 2007).

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Escobar BH, Avila M, Ramirez J, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Experience with natalizumab in a group of ms patients from southeast Texas. Mexican Academy of Neurology, 31st Annual Meeting in Monterrey, Mexico (Oct. 31 - Nov. 5, 2007).

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Landero S, Jafree I, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Multiple sclerosis in African Americans: A cohort from southeast Texas. Int J MS Care. 2007;9(2):77-8.

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Landero S, Jafree I, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Frequency and severity of restless legs syndrome in ms patients from southeast Texas. Int J MS Care. 2007;9(2):77.

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Perez F, Avila M, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2007;9(2):93.

Suarez-Zambrano GA, Perez F, Avila M, Hutton GJ, Rivera VM. Rehabilitación cognitiva asistida por computadora en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple. Rev Mex Neuroci. 2006;7(5):504.

Ordoñez L, Skromne E, Rivera-Olmos VM. Caracterizacion de sindromes clinicos de comportamiento similar a esclerosis multiple. Rev Mex Neuroci. 2005;6(6):540-1.

Contact Information

Victor M. Rivera, M.D.
Department of Neurology
Baylor College of Medicine
One Baylor Plaza, MS NB302
Houston, Texas 77030

Tel: 713-798-2273
Fax: 713-798-6273
Email: