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Neurology and Neurosurgery

Ataxia Center

Appointment Information

Scheduling an Appointment

When you call 410-502-0133 to schedule an appointment, you will speak with our scheduling coordinators. The coordinator may ask you to send the following information before your appointment can be scheduled:

  • Clinic notes from your physician or neurologist within the past year
  • Report and images of your most recent MRI or CT scans of the brain and spine
  • Lab results
  • Genetic testing results

Our team will review these records and determine if our clinic’s expertise can help you, and then schedule you for a consultation.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Once you receive an appointment date and time, please plan to arrive in the clinic at least 30 minutes in advance to check in. If a patient questionnaire was sent to you, please bring the completed form with you.

Please also bring results of any relevant tests that have not already been shared.

Your First Consultation

During your initial consultation, one of our ataxia specialists will talk to you about your medical history, family history of neurological problems, possible exposure to toxins and your symptoms. We also try to have you see our speech therapists, occupational therapists or physical therapists on the same day as your appointment with the neurologist. Our multi-specialty team can then work together to help you.

Ataxia is associated with a variety of health conditions, but in some cases the cause is unclear. Your doctor will likely recommend a series of tests to help narrow down the diagnosis. These tests may include blood tests, brain and spinal cord imaging, muscle and nerve tests, and genetic testing.

  • If the underlying cause of ataxia is determined, your treatment will focus on addressing this underlying condition and, if possible, reversing the dysfunction.
  • If the cause of ataxia is still unclear or has a genetic component, your treatment will focus on managing ataxia symptoms and helping you improve your quality of life.

Our Approach to Ataxia Care

Our neurologists are familiar with the nuances of ataxia and related disorders. They work closely with speech therapists, swallowing experts, physical and occupational therapists, as well as genetic counselors, neuro-ophthalmologists and counselors to offer a whole-person assessment and treatment.

Many patients have been told that ataxia is untreatable. However, with the right adaptive devices, the right medical advice, judicious use of medications, proper exercise, and patient and caregiver education, we can substantially improve the quality of life for our patients.

A big part of our mission is public and physician education. Our patients have access to educational resources, activities, and support groups about ataxia, and have an opportunity to participate in scientific studies and join in our quest to better understand and treat ataxia.