Our Neuro-immunology team
Our neuro-immunology team cares for children and young people with conditions that affect their central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). These are referred to as neuro-immune disorders and include:
- Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome (known as ‘dancing eyes syndrome’)
- Central nervous system vasculitis
- Hashimoto’s encephalopathy
- Auto-immune encephalitis
- Multiple Sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders
Demyelinating disorders are a major group of neuro-immune conditions. This is when the body’s immune system damages the protective covering of nerves, called myelin. Demyelinating disorders include:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Transverse Myelitis
- Optic Neuritis
- Neuromyelitis Optica
- MOG associated demyelination
Comprehensive care
Many of these conditions involve not only the nervous system but other parts of the body as well. Depending on the child’s specific needs, we work with other specialists who have expertise in caring for children with these conditions.
Together with the local paediatric consultant and the community nursing team, we work with families to provide a detailed care plan for each child and young person.
Our team
Dr. Evangeline Wassmer, Paediatric Neurologist, who specialises in demyelinating disorders
Dr. Amitav Parida, Paediatric Neurologist, who specialises in demyelinating disorders
Dr Sukhi Wright, Paediatric Neurologist and Researcher, with expertise in auto-immune encephalitis and epilepsy
Mrs Lydiah Makusha, Nurse specialising in MS and other demyelinating disorders
More information on these conditions can be found on the following websites:
Research
We work closely with other centres in the UK and internationally, as well as universities, especially Aston University. There are several opportunities to participate in research and clinical trials.
You and your child are invited to take part in a research study sponsored by Birmingham Women`s and Children`s NHS Foundation Trust. Before you decide, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully. Talk to others about the study if you wish.
What is the purpose of the research project?
Neuroinflammatory diseases are a group of illnesses which affect the brain and spinal cord and can occur in children. Many children recover well from neuroinflammatory diseases, which may cause muscles to become weak or senses like vision to become poor. However, some may have longer-term problems. Currently, we don’t know what the disease burden is and what the child’s needs will be.
The study aims to understand:
- How do these illnesses affect children’s outcome, their quality of life, schooling, cognition, participation and behaviour?
- How is this different to children who are healthy or who have another chronic neurology disorder?
Neuroinflammatory Disease Study (NIEDS) - Information Sheet for Children
Neuroinflammatory Disease Study (NIEDS) - Information Sheet for Children Aged 6- 12
Neuroinflammatory Disease Study (NIEDS) - Information Sheet for Young Adults
Neuroinflammatory Disease Study (NIEDS) - Information Sheet for Parents
Neuroinflammatory Disease Study (NIEDS) - Assent Form
Neuroinflammatory Disease Study (NIEDS) - Consent Form.pdf [pdf] 103KB