The Comprehensive Brain Malformation Program is designed to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to diagnosing, treating and counseling patients with brain malformations and their families. Brain malformations (also known as malformations of cortical development) are disorders in which the brain does not develop normally before birth. They can arise from many different causes. In some cases, brain malformations can be genetic and run in the family, while in other cases they can result from problems during pregnancy. Examples of brain malformations include: lissencephaly, Walker-Warburg syndrome, polymicrogyria, pachygyria, microcephaly, hemimegalencephaly, schizencephaly, agenesis of corpus callosum, and heterotopia.

The diagnosis of a brain malformation often leaves families with questions and looking for more information. These conditions are rare and little information is typically available. For the Comprehensive Brain Malformation Program we have combined our different specialties of neurology, genetics, genetic counseling and research to provide a more comprehensive approach to working with children and adults with brain malformations.

Our team of doctors can review a diagnosis and study results as well as discuss potential treatment options for neurological symptoms. Additionally, patients and families can meet with a genetic counselor to learn about the inheritance of brain malformations. We can also provide information about participating in a research study looking for genes involved in brain development.


Our team includes:

• Mustafa Sahin, MD, PhD
  Neurologist at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School.
   
• Bernard Chang, MD
  Neurologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.
   
• Annapurna Poduri, MD
  Neurologist at Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
   
• Christopher Walsh, MD, PhD
  Chief, Genetics Department, Children's Hospital
  Chief, Division of Neurogenetics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.
   
• Caroline Robson, MB, ChB
  Neuroradiologist at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School
   
• Brenda Barry, ScM, CGC
  Certified Genetic Counselor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
  
  
  

The Program will be held in Boston, MA at Children's Hospital (pediatrics) or Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (adults). Click here for directions.