Division of Neurology Offers Expertise Across the Full Spectrum of Neurological Disease

Several years ago, the Division of Neurology began a focused effort to expand its clinical offerings and deepen its investment in research. One result of this commitment has been rapid growth—outpatient clinic visits have grown by 38% in the last three fiscal years.

Today our 35 pediatric neurologists offer 18 subspecialty programs and clinics, providing care for all neurological conditions, from the common to complex. The depth and breadth of our expertise, along with the novel therapies and clinical trials available, attract patients from all 50 states and around the world.

Note these highlights from five of our largest subspecialty programs:

  • The Headache Center is the largest in the world, with 6,425 visits last year alone. Our researchers are working with five pharmaceutical companies to design and implement clinical studies that test a variety of compounds targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway.
  • With more than 4,500 visits in 2018, our Comprehensive Epilepsy Center continues to grow. One reason is the Advanced Therapies/Second Opinion Program, which offers diagnostics, therapies and extensive genetic testing/counseling for children with intractable seizures.
  • Physicians in the Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic take an aggressive approach to treating children with this genetic disease. This includes prescribing seizure medication before seizures occur, and using early inhibitor drugs to prevent long-term cognitive impairments and kidney failure.
  • The Comprehensive Neuromuscular Center offers advanced treatment options for all neuromuscular diseases, is a certified Duchenne care center, and supports a robust research program. Recent discoveries here led to the first clinical trial for congenital myotonic dystrophy type 1.
  • The Movement Disorders Program offers innovative therapies, such as deep brain stimulation for children with primary genetic dystonia and secondary dystonia related to cerebral palsy, stroke or other rare conditions, such as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.

In addition, leaders at Cincinnati Children’s recently launched a major initiative to understand the brain more holistically, transform research and clinical models, and ultimately help all children with behavioral, mental health and neurological conditions reach their optimal quality of life. The Mind Brain Behavior Collaborative is establishing new connections and deeper collaborations across many disciplines of study. Goals include assembling a larger community of brain-focused researchers, recruiting new faculty in selected fields, assessing infrastructure needs, accelerating innovation and building integrated models of clinical care.

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