Treatments for Rare Neurological Disorders
Neurologists and neurosurgeons at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles often evaluate children who have not yet received a diagnosis. We also offer second opinions for children with existing diagnoses. Treating so many patients means that our neurologists and neurosurgeons regularly treat conditions that many other providers may never see.
We provide treatment for many rare neurological disorders in children, including:
- Congenital brain malformations
- Fetal and neonatal neurological conditions
- Genetic syndromes
- Metabolic disorders
- Neuromuscular diseases
Brain malformations
Also called cephalic disorders, brain malformations occur when something happens to the brain, often long before a baby is born, and the brain develops abnormally. The cause can be genetic, or from a medication, an infection or radiation during pregnancy. The cause may also never be known.
Treatment for brain malformations
Treatment for brain malformations may include observation, physical or occupational therapy, or surgery, depending on the severity of the malformation.
Fetal and neonatal neurological conditions
Through collaboration with the Fetal and Neonatal Institute, we provide expert care for our tiniest patients. Our neurocritical care specialists and neonatal surgeons offer advanced surgeries to treat fetal and neonatal neurological complications, sometimes when the baby is still in the womb.
Genetic syndromes
Up to 25% of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, global developmental delay and intellectual disability, are caused by rare genetic variants and mutations. Our comprehensive clinical program can diagnosis and treat children with these rare genetic syndromes.
Metabolic conditions
Metabolic conditions, or neurometabolic disorders, affect how the body uses food for energy. These conditions are usually genetic. Neurometabolic disorders can lead to imbalances that affect a child’s development.
Treatment for metabolic conditions
Often, treatment plans focus on controlling symptoms. Treatment for neurometabolic conditions may include:
- Diet therapy: Many children who experience seizures can control their symptoms by following a specific diet.
- Medication: We can offer a range of medication options that minimize the effect of certain symptoms, such as seizures or uncontrollable movements.
Neuromuscular diseases
Neuromuscular diseases affect the way your child balances, moves or talks. Many of these conditions are genetic, although sometimes they have no known cause.
Conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy are rare in children. In many of these conditions, we now have transformative treatments such as EXONDYS 51 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy or SPINRAZA for spinal muscular atrophy. In some cases, we focus on symptom management so that your child can achieve a higher quality of life.
Second Opinions for Neurological Disorders
When your child has a neurological condition, finding the right diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. Children’s Hospital has niche expertise in neurology subspecialties. Our experts regularly offer second opinions and treatment plans for all types of neurological disorders.
Request a second opinion
To schedule an appointment for a second opinion neurological evaluation, please call 323-361-2471.
