Neuroimmunology
Neuroimmune disorders can adversely affect your child's ability to think, move and behave, which can be frustrating and scary for your family and your child. They occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). At Cook Children's, our fellowship-trained specialists diagnose and treat children with complex neurological conditions involving the nervous system and immune system.
What are neuroimmune disorders?
Your child's immune system is designed to protect them from infections and diseases. Sometimes, however, the immune system recognizes healthy cells and tissues as dangerous. When this happens, the body's natural defense system begins to attack itself (autoimmunity). Risk factors for autoimmune disorders include certain genetic tendencies and viral infections that change how the immune system works.
Autoimmune disorders that affect a child's central nervous system (CNS) are known as neuroimmunologic disorders. Some of them can damage nerve fibers (myelin) or their protective lining, which can adversely affect the brain, spinal cord or both. This damage can cause symptoms, such as:
- Altered vision
- Fatigue
- Memory loss or confusion
- Mood changes
- Movement problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Trouble thinking
- Weakness
What you can expect
As part of the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health, our neuroimmunologists work with multiple specialists to ensure that your child receives comprehensive care. We tailor treatments to address their condition and unique needs as children and adolescents.
At Cook Children’s, we understand that early diagnosis and consistent treatment of these conditions are critical. Rest assured that your family has access to a compassionate team of experts committed to your child's long-term health and well-being.
When you come to us for help, your child receives:
We're among the few centers in the Southwest with specialists trained in pediatric neurology and neuroimmunology. Our team has the experience to recognize and treat rare and complex neuroimmune conditions.
We develop treatment plans specifically for your child and their symptoms. Our ability to quickly and accurately diagnose their condition allows us to deliver the most advanced and effective care possible.
We work with major research institutions and have access to national clinical trials targeting neuroimmunologic conditions. These partnerships offer your child a pathway to advanced therapies and the newest approaches to care.
Our specialists provide complete care for your child throughout their treatment. Neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists and neurorehabilitation specialists may all be part of your child's care team.
We offer a full range of services to support your child and family. Throughout your journey at Cook Children's, your child may receive care from therapists, Child Life specialists, nutritionists and dietitians. You can also count on our social services team to connect your family with any community resources you might need.
Advancing pediatric neuroimmunology
Our specialists are experts at diagnosing neuroimmunologic conditions. We begin with a detailed medical history and neurological examination to identify symptoms, such as vision problems. We also evaluate your child for weakness or coordination issues. An MRI of the brain and spinal cord can detect inflammation, myelin damage or structural abnormalities. Testing blood or cerebrospinal fluid can also help identify signs of infection, inflammation or specific autoimmunity markers.
After establishing a diagnosis, we tailor treatment to the condition's severity, symptoms and progression. Therapies tend to focus on reducing immune activity and managing symptoms.
Treatments we offer
We typically recommend one or more therapies to target different parts of the immune system. Your child’s treatment may include:
- These therapies are designed to to change, or minimize or re-train the immune response, rather than shutting down.
- This treatment addresses the condition's effects, including controlling seizures and headaches, improving walking and fatigue, and coping with anxiety or changes in behavior.
- These medications help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- DMTs are medications that alter specific pathways involved in a condition to either decrease its severity or prevent relapse.
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Plasma is part of the blood that carries nutrients, hormones and antibodies. PLEX is a process where plasma containing harmful antibodies is filtered from blood and replaced with clean plasma. The blood and clean plasma are then returned to the circulation.
- The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation (NMOSD)
- The MOG Project (MOGAD)
- National MS Society
- For Kids: Keep S’myelin
- Pediatric MS: Navigating Your Journey
- Pediatric MS Alliance
- The Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (ADEM, MOGAD, NMOSD)
- The Sumaira Foundation (NMOSD & MOGAD)
- OMSLife Foundation
- The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance
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