Division of Neurogenetics
About the Division
The Division of Neurogenetics focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of people who have or are at risk of developing neurogenetic diseases. Most of these diseases are chronic and progressive disorders that typically require management over the patient’s life. We take a multidisciplinary approach in creating individualized treatment plans for patients with a range of neurogenetic conditions, including:
- Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Niemann-Pick disease
- Leukoencephalopathies
- Mitochondrial diseases
- Neurofibromatoses
Physicians, genetic counselors, fellows, residents and medical students have opportunities to participate in research and clinical trials that often lead to breakthroughs. We offer a cooperative, supportive environment that values the contributions of all participants, including (and especially) patients.
Goals and highlights
The overarching goals for the Neurogenetic Division are to correctly diagnose each patient’s specific disorder and manage and mitigate their symptoms as we search for more effective treatments. Physicians and genetic counselors work with researchers to identify genetic risk factors and specific biomarkers to select the right medications and therapeutics for each patient, including (but not limited to) immunotherapy. Patients are often invited to participate in research and clinical trials that may help their condition and advance our work toward cures for all patients.
Centers and clinics
- Neurogenetic Disorders Clinic/Ataxia Clinic at CarePoint Gahanna
Residency and Fellowship
The Department of Neurology at The Ohio State University has a long history of dedication to education. We have world-class faculty and staff, state-of-the-art amenities, and novel technologies that enable trainees to gain experience managing complex pathologies and deliver innovative, high-quality care to a diverse patient population. Learn more about our residency and fellowship programs within the Department of Neurology.
Fellowship Opportunity
In the Department of Neurology and the Health Services Research Division, advancement, opportunity, and collaboration are central to our research and scholarship efforts. Our faculty members are engaged in a broad range of multidisciplinary research and scholarly efforts to advance the practice, education, and delivery of neurologic care. Our successes are demonstrated by professional presentations, publications, and grant support. Investigator-initiated research and collaborative scholarship drive the department toward its goal of being a nationally and internationally recognized leader in research and scholarship.
Educational initiatives and research also contribute to state-of-the-art curricula, teaching strategies, and learning techniques that advance medical education at many levels, including medical student education, residency training, and continuing medical education. The Ohio State University College of Medicine is committed to expanding research in health equity, social determinants of health, population health, and health services and implementation science, as well as reducing health inequities among our patients and communities through care delivery and education.
If you are interested in a fellowship opportunity with the Health Services Research Division, please email James.Burke@osumc.edu and Rachel.Ernst@osumc.edu.
Our Team
Research and clinical trials
- Research at Ohio State includes the participation in the REDISCA study of spinocerebellar ataxia, which looks at natural history factors of patients.
- Other ongoing clinical research includes studying the natural history and progression of primary lateral sclerosis in patients.
- Additionally, Ohio State has participated in clinical trials of a new drug to treat cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a very rare disorder. Approval of the drug is expected in the next few weeks.