Genetic Testing and Counseling for Neurologic Disorders
Trusted guidance and support for patients and healthcare providers managing genetic neurological diseases.
Support to Navigate Neurologic Disorders
When someone has symptoms of a brain or nerve disorder (also called a neurologic disorder), genetic testing can give helpful answers and guide treatment.
At Genome Medical, we understand how complex these conditions can be and offer full support through our genetic services.
Our telehealth genetic counseling and genetic test ordering services help patients and doctors to diagnose, understand and manage neurologic conditions.
Complexity in Diagnosing Neurologic Disorders
Figuring out if someone has a neurologic disorder is challenging. Symptoms like seizures, trouble with learning or movement, weak muscles or changes in thinking can happen in many different conditions. That makes it difficult to find the exact cause. Some symptoms may not show up until later in life, and some genetic test results are still not fully understood.
To get the right diagnosis, patients often need a full medical exam, special neurology genetic testing for brain and nerve problems and expert help to understand the results.
That’s where Genome Medical comes in. We help both patients and providers decide if genetic testing is needed, select the right test and explain what the results mean. Our telehealth genetic counseling appointments are available in less than a week, and we work with patients in all 50 states.
The Importance of Genetic Testing for Neurologic Disorders
Learning if a neurological disorder is caused by a genetic change can help doctors make a clear diagnosis. This information can help guide treatment and also identify if other family members may be at risk and could benefit from genetic testing.
For some, a genetic diagnosis may give access to clinical trials or new treatments. Even if it doesn’t lead to a new treatment right away, it can still give answers, bring peace of mind, and help families know what to expect. It can also connect patients to support groups and future research opportunities.
Genome Medical Neurology Expertise
Genome Medical is a trusted partner in helping improve care for people with neurologic conditions. We make sure patients get the right genetic testing, with clear guidance before and after results.
Genome Medical has deep expertise in neurological genetics and supports patients and families with many types of inherited conditions. Our board-certified genetic counselors and medical geneticists work closely with health systems, genetic testing laboratories and life science organizations to provide high-quality, personalized care.
How Our Genetic Counselors Can Help
Helping Patients Understand the Testing Process
Genetic testing for brain and nerve disorders can give helpful answers, but it can also raise questions. That’s where a genetic counselor can help.
Our genetic counselors take time to explain what the test looks for, how it works, and all the possible results a patient could receive. This helps patients understand how the results could affect them and their family.
Reviewing Family History and Choosing the Right Test
Many neurological conditions can run in families (are inherited). A genetic counselor looks closely at a person’s medical and family history to see if the condition might be inherited and if genetic testing could help.
Based on that information, we help choose the best test that matches the patient’s symptoms and needs.
Providing Emotional Support
Getting tested for a neurology condition can cause stress, worry, or confusion.
Our genetic counselors are here to listen, talk through these feelings, explain options, and support patients and families every step of the way.
Explaining Test Results Clearly
Genetic test results can be confusing. A genetic counselor will explain them in a clear and simple way.
They help patients understand if the results confirm or clarify a diagnosis, show how a condition might develop over time or guide ongoing monitoring and treatment plans.
Connecting Patients to Clinical Trials
People with brain and nerve conditions may be able to join clinical trials, which can offer new treatments not yet available to everyone.
Genome Medical patients can choose to be contacted if a study or trial might be a good match based on their health history and test results. Learn about our clinical trial services.
Genetic Testing Before Symptoms Start
Some people have a family history of a neurological disorder, such as Huntington’s disease, familial ALS, or early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Genetic testing can give information about the chance of getting these conditions in the future.
Choosing to do this kind of testing, called predictive or pre-symptomatic testing, can be an emotional decision. Our genetic counselors give support, clear information, and help people decide if testing is right for them. They help individuals:
- Understand their personal risk
- Learn what the condition might look like over time
- Think about the pros and cons of testing now vs. later
- Explore how results could affect life and family plans
New Therapies for Genetic Neurological Disorders
Thanks to new discoveries in genetics, doctors are creating better treatments for neurologic disorders. To join a trial or get certain treatments, people usually need to have a genetic diagnosis.
Some new or approved treatments include:
- Gene therapy – This can fix or replace a broken gene (like for spinal muscular atrophy).
- Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) – These are special molecules that change how certain genes work (used for diseases like Huntington’s, ALS, or Batten disease).
- Small molecule drugs – These medicines are designed for certain genetic problems (used in some types of epilepsy).
Who May Benefit From Neurologic Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing with the help of a genetic counselor can be helpful for people with:
Neurological Conditions
- Seizures
- Diseases that get worse over time like Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s, or Frontotemporal dementia
- Huntington’s disease
- Nerve damage or neuropathy
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Developmental and intellectual disabilities
- Complex mental health diagnoses
- Muscle and nervous system disorders (neuromuscular disorders)
Featured Resources
The Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease
The Future of ALS Care: Why Genetic Testing Matters
