Updates

Neurogenetics and Rare Disorders

Specialized care for children with genetic disorders that affect the brain

Neurogenetic disorders are conditions caused by gene changes that affect brain development and how the brain works. Our team at Texas Children’s Hospital has specialized training and years of experience in diagnosing and treating these complex conditions. The Neurogenetics Clinic offers personalized care, including advanced diagnostic testing, leading treatments and complete follow-up care for children of all ages.

What are neurogenetic disorders?

Neurogenetic disorders are conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles that are caused by genetic mutations (changes). Some gene changes are inherited (passed down in families), and others are new gene changes that occur in a child.

Of the hundreds of neurogenetic disorders, some types we most often treat are:

  • Epilepsy: Genetic types of epilepsy that cause seizures, which are uncontrollable bursts of electrical activity in the brain.
  • Rett syndrome: A disorder, mostly in girls, that affects brain development and causes loss of language and motor skills.
  • Tuberous sclerosis complex: Disorder that causes noncancerous (benign) tumors in various parts of the body and can cause seizures, development delays and learning disabilities.

Multidisciplinary team for advanced neurogenetic care

Our neurogenetics team includes a pediatric doctors and providers who specialize in neurology, genetics, neurodevelopment and related conditions and symptoms. We take a multispecialty approach to care, using specialized genetic testing and high-resolution brain imaging to identify

these complex disorders. We offer comprehensive treatment options and pursue research to develop more advanced diagnostic methods and treatments for rare neurogenetic disorders. 

Angelman Syndrome Clinic

Texas Children’s offers highly specialized care for children who have Angelman syndrome, a neurogenetic disorder that causes development delays, learning and speech disabilities, seizures and problems with balance and walking. Our clinic is one of only a few in the country and the first in Texas that focuses exclusively on Angelman syndrome. Learn more about our Angelman Syndrome Clinic.