Imagine if your doctor could choose the best treatment for your brain, based not just on your symptoms, but on your DNA. That’s exactly what’s possible with neurogenomics. This growing field connects your genes to how your brain functions, how diseases develop, and how you may respond to certain medications through the field of pharmacogenomics.
More than 80% of rare diseases, including many neurological ones, have a genetic cause, making a personalized approach to treatment a game-changer in neurology, especially for complex conditions like ALS, Huntington’s disease, and some forms of epilepsy. By examining your unique genetic code, top brain specialists in Los Angeles can now create more personalized DNA-driven treatment plans and gene-targeted therapy options, leading to more effective care plans with fewer side effects.
Continue reading to explore how your DNA is helping shape the future of neurological treatment and where to find the best neurologist in Los Angeles for personalized treatment of brain conditions.
What Is Neurogenomics?
Neurogenomics is the study of how your genes influence the development and function of your brain and nervous system. Think of it like this: your DNA is your genetic blueprint, and neurogenomics helps doctors read that blueprint to understand why certain neurological conditions happen in the first place.
Instead of just treating symptoms like seizures or memory loss, neurogenomics helps get to the root cause of what’s happening at the genetic level. This matters because many brain and nerve conditions, like epilepsy or ALS, are linked to inherited or spontaneous gene changes. By studying these genetic clues, neurologists can better predict who is at risk and create treatments that are specifically tailored to that person’s biology.
How Your DNA Influences Treatment for Neurological Disorders
With genetic testing, neurologists can see how your body is likely to respond to certain medications or therapies before you even try them. This helps avoid the frustrating trial-and-error process of finding the right drug and dosage, especially in neurological care, where medications often have strong side effects. They can also use your genetic information to predict how a condition like epilepsy or Parkinson’s might progress, and create a care plan that fits your unique needs.
Which Neurological Diseases Can Neurogenomics Help the Most?
Some neurological conditions are more directly tied to your genes than others, and understanding those genetic links is changing how doctors diagnose and treat them:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Genetic testing can detect specific mutations that run in families. This not only helps confirm a diagnosis but also determines if someone qualifies for specific clinical trials or gene-targeted therapies.
- Huntington’s disease: A single, well-known gene mutation makes diagnosis clear-cut, even before symptoms appear. This gives families time to plan and doctors a chance to start early, with supportive care.
- Epilepsy: This is another area where genetics is making a big difference, especially for children or people who don’t respond to typical medications. By identifying the exact gene involved, doctors can now choose more precise treatments, sometimes even dietary changes or newer drugs that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise.
Benefits of Getting Genetic Testing to Predict Neurological Disorders and Create Personalized Treatment Plans
Many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, like epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, or Alzheimer’s disease, have a genetic component that can influence how the disease progressively affects nerve cells and how you respond to different treatment options. By combining this information with environmental factors and lifestyle habits, the best neurologist in LA can create a more personalized long-term care plan tailored to your specific needs.
The benefits of genetic testing for neurological disorders include:
- Earlier and more accurate diagnosis: Especially helpful for rare or complex genetic diseases that don’t follow a typical pattern.
- Better health care decisions: Knowing if you carry a genetic condition can help guide treatment choices, monitor disease progression, and avoid unnecessary medications.
- Support for family planning: If family history suggests a higher risk factor for a genetic disorder, testing helps family members understand genetic risks and options during family planning conversations.
- Access to new treatments: Certain clinical trials and experimental therapies are sometimes only available to people with specific gene mutations.
Finding the Best Neurologist in Los Angeles for Personalized Neurological Treatment
At Los Angeles Neurology, we believe great care starts with listening, and Dr. Danny Benmoshe takes that to heart. As a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in neurophysiology, Dr. Benmoshe combines technical precision with a compassionate, whole-person approach to help you feel seen, understood, and expertly treated.
Whether you're dealing with seizures, nerve pain, chronic migraines, or movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, we use the most advanced diagnostic tools, including EEGs and EMG/NCVs, to get to the root of your symptoms. We also use neurogenomics whenever possible to create the perfect treatment plan for your unique needs. Dr. Benmoshe’s ongoing research and deep curiosity about the mind-body connection mean that your care isn’t just based on protocol; it’s thoughtfully personalized to your condition and lifestyle.
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