Neurogenetics

Our Neurogenetics program is both a field of research and a clinical practice where we treat rare neurological diseases. 

We take a holistic approach to your diagnosis, providing you with the support to manage your condition and feel better.

Our approach to neurogenetics

We seek to understand the genetic origins of brain disorders, and we treat rare neurological diseases. 

Our neurogenetics program works with both children and adults. We also treat young adults transitioning out of pediatric care in collaboration with CHOC, the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. 

We built and designed a highly patient-centered program. We consult regularly with our many subspecialists, synthesizing that information to get you a precise molecular diagnosis. You can expect thorough research into your medical and family history to help you understand your disorder and manage it.

How we’re different

In most neurogenetic clinics, most of the doctors are neurologists who specialize in the genetics of one area. For example, they might study movement disorders, Parkinson’s, Huntington's or neuromuscular disorders. In contrast, our definition of neurogenetics is very broad. 

The head of our program, Dr. Changrui Xiao, is a neurologist, medical geneticist and medical biochemical geneticist. Dr. Xiao is one of about five physicians in the U.S. with this uncommon and advanced training. 

Dr. Xiao’s practice encompasses an understanding of all age groups, all organ systems and all aspects of genetics. He works with inborn errors of metabolism, dysmorphology and rare diseases that most clinicians don’t learn about in medical school. If you’ve had the experience of being misdiagnosed by numerous doctors, what this program means for you is the relief of finding answers.

Why choose UCI Health for neurogenetics?

Our unique, highly collaborative model directly benefits you

There are over 12,000 rare diseases — no one institution can handle all of them. At UCI Health, we're part of a larger genetic community across the United States. We collaborate closely with other medical centers so that while you’re here, you benefit from our collective knowledge. 

Combined, UCI Health and CHOC offer about a hundred different clinical trials for rare genetic diseases

There are standard treatments for some neurogenetic disorders, but not all. As an academic medical center, we’ve developed a robust clinical trials program. If you qualify, you may get access to novel treatments or innovative tools not widely available elsewhere. 

The UCI Health Alpha Clinic conducts important cell and gene therapy.

We see your entire family as our patient

Genetic diseases can run in families — relatives, children and even future potential grandchildren can be at risk. 

There are some neurogenetic illnesses we can’t treat. However, as we identify relevant genes and mutations, we learn how to prevent the condition from being passed on to future generations. Even if we have no cure yet, sometimes we can greatly help your family. 

Genetic counseling is an important service of this clinic. Genetic counseling gives you the tools to communicate critical information to your family. 

We’re members of a national research study called the Undiagnosed Diseases Network

As diagnostic experts, we’re honored to be affiliated with the Undiagnosed Diseases Network. Through them, we get access to the latest technologies to solve challenging and complex cases.