The neurogenetics clinic specializes in treating patients and their families who have inherited disorders that have a neurologic component. In addition to evaluation, genetic testing and interpretation of results, we also provide genetic counseling for patients and their families so that they better understand their disease and the implications for everyone in the family. Common disorders for which we specialize include Huntington disease, the spinocerebellar ataxias, neurofibromatosis, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, tuberous sclerosis, Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, Freidreich ataxia and myotonic dystrophy to name a few. We also have a protocol for testing at-risk individuals presymptomatically for adult onset inherited disorders such as Huntington disease or the spinocerebellar ataxias. This includes extensive counseling to make sure that a patient has made a careful decision and is prepared to cope with the results and all of the implications.

The neurogenetics clinic in the Department of Neurology is directed by Dr. Garbern. Karen Krajewski, a certified genetics counselor, and Dima El-Khechen can provide services such as genetic testing, education, and counseling for a wide variety of genetic disorders that affect the nervous system including Huntington disease, neurofibromaosis, hereditary spastic paraparesis, spinocerebellar ataxias, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), and muscular dystrophy. In addition, an international consortium, with WSU as the U.S. coordinating center, has been developed to study patients with PMD. For more information about PMD, go to the:

PMD Web page

For more information regarding neurogenetics and Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, go to the:

CMT Web page

James Garbern, MD, PhD	(313) 577-9776 voice
John Kamholz, MD, PhD	(313) 577-8317 voice
Michael Shy, M.D.	(313) 577-7552 fax
Karen Krajewski, MS, CGC	jgarbern@med.wayne.edu
Dima El-Khechen, MS

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