Inherited Neuropathies Clinic

The Inherited Neuropathies Clinic at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital cares for children with certain genetic neurological conditions called inherited neuropathies. This clinical program is part of the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (CENT) Clinical Program.

Learn about neurological disorders care at St. Jude.

The Inherited Neuropathies Clinic helps move the most promising and advanced experimental therapies from the lab to the clinic.

We study types of genetic neurological disorders that include Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. 

Patients in the Inherited Neuropathies Clinic can take part in clinical research, including clinical trials. These studies help researchers understand how these conditions change over time and how to measure success. Our goal is to create new therapies that target the genetic cause of these conditions. 

Services we provide

In the Inherited Neuropathies Clinic, your child may see experts in:

• Genetics
• Neurology
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Gait & mobility

St. Jude works with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to provide care for some patients with neurological disorders. Your child may get some of their care at Le Bonheur. 

Your Inherited Neuropathies Clinic team

The Inherited Neuropathies Clinic is co-led by Richard Finkel, MD and Daniel Guillen Mendoza, MD, with Joshua Burns, PhD as a contributing expert, along with a team of other experts in genetic neurological diseases.

The Inherited Neuropathies Clinic team includes:

• A neurologist: reviews your child’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and may recommend more tests
• A physical therapist: checks strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination
• A gait and mobility specialist: studies your child’s movement and their ability to do daily activities
• A patient coordinator: helps with records and follow-up after a patient’s visit
• Research nurses: help your child understand and take part in research
• Study coordinators: help manage clinical research activities

Depending on your child’s needs, you may also see a nurse navigator, child life specialist, social worker, psychologist, and rehabilitation specialists.

What to expect during your visit

In the Inherited Neuropathies Clinic, your child will:

• Meet with experts in inherited neuropathies, neurology, genetics, and physical therapy
• Take tests to check mobility, balance, and motor skills

Your child may also need to do special lab tests so we can diagnose their condition if needed. This includes genetic tests for genetic predisposition syndromes and nerve conduction tests. The nerve conduction tests use electrical impulses to assess nerve function.

Your child may also give blood or skin samples for research. If your child joins a specific clinical trial, there may be other activities they will do. The Inherited Neuropathies Clinic team will explain these activities before your visit.

Your Inherited Neuropathies Clinic team will also discuss care options with you in detail. Feel free to ask questions at any time.

Learn more