Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic

Some children have trouble with their movements, a condition known as ataxia. In certain cases, this is linked to a neurological disorder that affects the body’s nervous system. The disorder may be caused by a change (mutation) in 1 of the person’s genes (DNA).

Some children who have ataxias and movement disorders from genetic changes may receive care at the Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic. This clinic is part of the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (CENT) Clinical Program.

We study certain types of genetic neurological disorders, including:

• Ataxia-telangiectasia
• Friedreich’s ataxia
• Hereditary spastic paraplegias

Services we provide

The Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic combines expert clinical care with research from many areas. Our goal is to improve outcomes for children with genetic ataxias and movement disorders.

Your Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic team

The Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic is led by Richard Finkel, MD. This clinic is supported by other doctors and researchers who are experts in genetic neurological diseases.

Your child will see experts in:

They may also see other members of the health care team, including:

• A patient coordinator: collects medical records and manages follow-up items after a patient’s visit
• Research nurses: help explain research projects
• Study coordinators: help manage research activities

Your child may also see other health care providers if needed, including a nurse navigator, child life specialist, social worker, psychologist, and rehabilitation specialists.

What to expect during your visit

In the Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic, your child will:

• Meet with experts in ataxias and movement disorders, neurology, genetics, and physical therapy
• Complete a neuropsychological assessment, as needed
• Complete tests of mobility, balance, and motor coordination

Your child may also need to do special lab tests to diagnose their condition. These include genetic tests for genetic predisposition syndromes and nerve conduction tests, which use electrical impulses to assess nerve function.

In the Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic, we may ask if your child can take part in clinical research studies, including clinical trials of new, experimental therapies. These studies help us understand how these disorders affect people over time. They also help us find the best ways to see how well treatments work. The goal is to find and develop new therapies that directly treat the genetic cause of these disorders.

Your child may also give blood or skin samples for research. If your child is part of a specific clinical study, we may ask them to do other activities. The Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic team will explain these activities in detail before your visit.

Your Ataxias and Movement Disorders Clinic team will also discuss care options with you in detail. Feel free to ask questions at any time.

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