The Pediatric Neuroimmunology Clinic at Mott takes care of children and adolescents who have autoimmune disorders that target the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
One major category of neuro-immune diseases is demyelinating disease which affects the myelin (the protective coating around nerve fibers in the central nervous system).
Types of demyelinating diseases include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD)
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)
- Transverse Myelitis
- Optic Neuritis
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)
- Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS)
Outside of demyelinating disorders, there are other neuro-immunological disorders such as:
- Autoimmune Encephalitis
- Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia Syndrome (OMAS/OMS)
- Central Nervous System Vasculitis/Primary Angiitis of the Central Nervous System (PACNS)
- Lupus Cerebritis
- Neurosarcoidosis
- Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy
- Neuro-Behcet’s
- Neuro-Sjogren’s
- Acute Flaccid Myelitis
- This is an infectious disorder, not a neuro-immune disorder, but the Pediatric Neuroimmunology Clinic is still typically involved in the evaluation and management of this disorder.
What to expect at your appointment
We will ask several questions regarding your child’s medical and neurological history as well as complete a thorough neurological exam. We will discuss whether your child has features of a neuro-immunological disease and whether there is further testing needed to make a diagnosis. We will also discuss options for treatment and plan for disease monitoring.
Testing may include:
- MRIs of the brain or spinal cord
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Neuro-ophthalmology exam
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Comprehensive care at Mott Children’s Hospital for neuro-immunological diseases
The range of treatment for neuro-immunological diseases varies widely, including close monitoring with regular neurology clinic visits, serial MRIs and blood tests, steroids and a wide range of possible immune therapies. The type of and length of treatment will depend on the disease and its severity. These options will be discussed in detail at your child’s clinic visit and discussions will continue at every subsequent visit.
In addition to care provided by a pediatric neuroimmunologist, our team works closely with our physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, neuro-ophthalmologists and rheumatologists to provide comprehensive care for our patients.
Take the next step
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call 734-936-4179.