St. Jude Family of Websites
Explore our cutting edge research, world-class patient care, career opportunities and more.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Home
- Fundraising
Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic
The Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic cares for children who have certain genetic disorders that affect cellular metabolism, leading to a breakdown of brain, muscle, and other tissues.
The Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children with certain genetic conditions that cause metabolic problems and nerve death. This clinical program is part of the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (CENT) Clinical Program.
Learn about neurological disorders care at St. Jude.
The Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic works to bring the most promising new treatments from the lab to the patient.
We study types of neurometabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. These include:
- Urea cycle disorders
- Mitochondrial diseases that affect brain and muscle
- Rare inborn errors of metabolism
Children who visit the Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic can take part in clinical research. This research helps scientists learn more about these conditions. Clinical trials can also help researchers develop new treatments that improve the quality of life and outcomes for children living with these conditions.
Services we provide
Your child may see experts in:
- Genetics and genetic counseling
- Neurology
- Physical therapy
- Gait and mobility
- Psychology
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 clinic team
The Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic is co-led by Andrea Gropman, MD, and Richard Finkel, MD, along with a team of other experts in genetic neurological diseases.
The Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic team includes:
- A patient coordinator: helps collect medical records and follow-up after your first visit
- A genetic counselor: provides support and education about genetics
- A psychologist: performs cognitive testing of memory and learning
- 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
- Research nurses: help your child understand and take part in research
- Study coordinators: help manage clinical research activities
- A gait and mobility specialist: studies your child’s movement and their ability to do daily activities
Depending on your child’s needs, you may also see a nurse navigator, child life specialist, social worker, or rehabilitation specialists.
What to expect during your visit
In the Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic, your child will:
- Meet with experts in neurometabolic and neurodegenerative disorders, neurology, genetics, and physical therapy
- Complete a developmental assessment if needed
- Take tests to check mobility, balance, and motor skills
If your child joins a specific clinical trial, there may be other activities they will do.
Your Neurometabolic and Neurodegenerative Disorders Clinic team will discuss care options with you in detail. Please ask any questions you have at any time.