Multidisciplinary Center for CACNA1A-Related Disorders
Multidisciplinary Center for CACNA1A-Related Disorders
Welcome to the Multidisciplinary Center for CACNA1A-Related Disorders at UTHealth Houston, a premier facility that provides comprehensive care and innovative research for individuals affected by CACNA1A-related neurological and developmental disorders. We’re committed to improving quality of life for both children and adults through personalized care, community support, and cutting-edge research.
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Welcome to the Multidisciplinary Center for CACNA1A-Related Disorders at UTHealth Houston, a premier facility that provides comprehensive care and innovative research for individuals affected by CACNA1A-related neurological and developmental disorders. We’re committed to improving quality of life for both children and adults through personalized care, community support, and cutting-edge research.
Our mission
The Multidisciplinary Center for CACNA1A-Related Disorders at UTHealth Houston is dedicated to delivering top-quality care and pioneering research to advance our understanding and treatment of CACNA1A-related disorders. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for all patients and families we serve.
About CACNA1A disorders
CACNA1A gene variants are associated with a spectrum of neurological conditions, including episodic ataxia, hemiplegic migraine, spinocerebellar ataxia, and developmental epileptic encephalopathies. While there is currently no cure, our growing understanding of these disorders informs treatment options and guides participation in clinical trials aimed at developing new therapies.
6410 Fannin St.
Suite 500 - Pediatric Care
Suite 1014 - Adult Care
Houston, TX 77030
Fax: (713) 486-9515
Parking available at the UTHealth Houston Garage, 6414 Fannin St.
Valet parking is also available.
How We Can Help
Personalized Care
Our multidisciplinary team of specialists provides tailored assessments and care plans to address each patient’s unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Community Connection
We are proud to partner with the CACNA1A Foundation to provide resources, support, and opportunities for families to connect with others navigating similar diagnoses.
Genetic Testing and Counseling
Our genetic counselors guide you through the diagnosis of CACNA1A-related disorders, helping you understand its medical, psychosocial, and familial implications. In collaboration with leading genetics research experts, they also offer personalized insights into each patient’s CACNA1A variant.
Research Participation
Our research aims to:
- Understand how genetic changes contribute to epilepsy and the spectrum of CACNA1A-related disorders.
- Test the effectiveness of various new treatments.
- Develop new tools to predict how the disease will progress and respond to treatment.
- Utilize the latest wearable technology to collect biological data, such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiratory rate, to investigate possible biomarkers for CACNA1A-related disorders.
Director
Dennis Lal, PhD
Associate Professor - Center for Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology
Clinical Team
Émile Moura, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor
Center for Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology
Althea Smith, MS, GC
Genetic Counselor
Center for Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology
Mariana Fauteux
Research Assistant I
Center for Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology
Pediatric
Epileptologist
Assistant Professor - Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics
Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Genetics Clinic
Movement Disorders Specialist
Associate Professor - Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics
Co-Director, Pediatric Movement Disorders Clinic
Co-Director, Center for the Treatment of Pediatric Neurodegenerative Disease
Neurodevelopmental Specialist
Assistant Professor - Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics
Associate Director, Child Neurology Residency Program
Director, Neurodevelopmental Program
Sara McMahan, PT, PCS
Physical Therapist - Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics
Emery Rollfing, RN, BSN
Nurse Coordinator - Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Department of Pediatrics
Adult
Epileptologist
Professor, McGovern Distinguished Chair in Neurology, and Executive Vice Chair - Department of Neurology
Director, Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
Co-Director, Texas Institute for Restorative Neurotechnologies
Movement Disorders Specialist
Professor - Department of Neurology
Director, Movement Disorders & Neurodegenerative Diseases
Director, Movement Disorders Fellowship Program
Sunanjay Bajaj, MD
Neurology Resident - Department of Neurology
Manuela Ochoa-Urrea
Neurology Resident - Department of Neurology
Brandy Banks, LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Department of Neurology
Scientific Team
Tobias Brünger, PhD
Data Scientist I - Center for Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology
Ludovica Montanucci, PhD
Assistant Professor - Center for Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology
