Neurometabolic Clinic

In order for our nervous system and organs to function properly, our cells have to be able to successfully turn nutrients into energy. This process is called cellular metabolism. In some instances, metabolic problems can arise and cause serious medical conditions. The Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Neurometabolic Clinic diagnoses and treats children who have these conditions or who are suspected of having them based on their current signs or symptoms.

Symptoms of neurometabolic conditions can include seizures, developmental delays and/or regression, cognitive impairment, abnormal eye movements and eye problems, and more. These symptoms can be a sign of conditions such as leukodystrophies, mitochondrial disorders or other inborn errors of metabolism.

When you visit the Neurometabolic Clinic, you will have the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor and leading doctors in the field. These specialists will work closely with your doctors and specialists from other departments to assess your child’s medical condition. We also prioritize communicating with you and your family in order to reduce stress, help demystify these complex conditions and create the best possible outcome.

Our care team includes doctors and other researchers who are working to develop new treatments for many neurometabolic conditions, including bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and novel genetic therapies. In some cases, your child may have the opportunity to participate in relevant clinical trials.