Neurogenetic disorders

Service detail

The Walton Centre runs a clinic for patients with a range of neurogenetic disorders, principally various forms of cerebellar ataxias.

Disorders include Friedreich’s ataxia and other hereditary ataxias, Huntington’s disease, familial spastic paraplegia, and Charcot Marie Tooth disease as well as other rare neurological conditions. Many patients with idiopathic (non-genetic) ataxias are also seen in this clinic.

Patients are referred often by other neurologists. but referrals from GPs are also received. Advice is given about DNA diagnosis and there is often liaison with the Regional Molecular Genetics laboratory in Liverpool.

We realise that the diagnosis or even suspicion of a genetic disorder of the nervous system can be very difficult both for patients and their families. Patients are often seen with their relatives in clinic if this is requested.