Many neurologic diseases are caused by genetic changes in cells of the brain, spinal cord or nerves. These include inherited ataxias,muscular dystrophies, neurofibromatosis and some forms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. For many genetic diseases, parents of an individual may not show signs of the disease, but the disease may recur in siblings or in the children of the person with the disease. Proper diagnosis is important for treatment and genetic counseling.

The Division of Neurology offers:

• Diagnosis of genetic neurologic diseases
• Interpretation of DNA tests
• Genetic counseling and assessment of genetic risk
• Treatment