Genetic Counseling and Testing for Neurological Disorders at Northwestern Memorial Hospital

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Genetic Counseling and Testing for Neurological Disorders

Genetic testing involves examining your DNA and can reveal changes (variants, previously called mutations) in your genes that may cause illness or disease. Although genetic testing can provide important information, the decision to have genetic testing can be difficult. A genetic counselor can help you decide if testing would be helpful and can then interpret and help you understand your results. Meeting with a genetic counselor is an important step in the process of genetic testing.

The Northwestern Medicine Neurogenetics Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive genetic counseling and testing services for patients with neurological conditions including:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Movement disorders (early onset Parkinson’s disease, Wilson disease, Huntington’s disease, etc.)
Epilepsy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Our dedicated team includes highly experienced professionals in the fields of neurology and genetics, including specially trained neurologists, geneticists, genetic counselors and nurses.

Services We Offer

Expert clinical evaluations and diagnoses
Genetic counseling
Genetic testing
Diagnostic and pre-symptomatic testing
Family planning and prenatal testing
Comprehensive treatment planning for movement disorders

Appointments

Your care team will provide you with the education and support you need to make an informed decision about genetic testing. If you choose to undergo genetic testing, our team will help you understand the implications of the results and determine next steps. To schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor, please call 312.695.7950. Click here to have a member of our team contact you.

Meet The Team

Feinberg School of Medicine researchers working in a lab

The Neurogenetics Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive genetic counseling and testing for patients with neurological conditions.

Meet the Neurogenetics Team

Areas Of Care

Genetic Counseling

If you are considering genetic testing, a genetic counselor can help you determine the appropriate testing for you and your family.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is a process used to identify gene variants. The results of a genetic test can confirm a suspected genetic condition, or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.

Genetic Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

See if genetic testing and counseling may be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Expect on the Day of Your Appointment

Knowing what to expect on the day of your appointment will help ease anxiety about genetic testing and counseling.

what to expect on the day of your appointment

For Physicians

If your patient has symptoms of a neurological condition that may be caused by or linked to a genetic mutation, our experts can help diagnose the suspected disorder, and provide recommendations for treatment in your clinic.

for physicians

Locations & Contact Information

HealthBeat Articles

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Why Genetic Counseling Matters

A genetic counselor can help you understand DNA testing results and plan for the future based on your genes.

Epilepsy: Finding the Underlying Cause

Genetic testing provides insight about adult-onset epilepsy, including causes and personalized treatment.

nm-what-is-spinal-muscular-dystrophy_preview

What Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

The condition is rare, and treatment has been focused on symptom management — until now.

Respiratory Virus and Measles Information

Genetic Counseling and Testing for Neurological Disorders Northwestern Memorial Hospital