Email this pageClinical Evaluation
Families
should expect to receive a comprehensive evaluation for their child or
children with Batten disease when they visit the Batten Disease Diagnostic
and Clinical Research Center at the University of Rochester. The visit
will begin in the morning with a comprehensive medical history obtained
by a Nurse Practitioner in Child Neurology. Results of previous diagnostic
testing and treatments will be reviewed. A Child Neurologist will perform
a complete physical and neurological examination. The UBDRS and other
appropriate rating scales will be administered.
The cognitive and behavioral difficulties experienced by many children
with Batten Disease can have a significant impact on their day-to-day
functioning. Understanding a child’s cognitive and behavioral needs
and adapting their environment accordingly may help reduce frustration.
The Batten Disease Center will offer neuropsychological and behavioral
assessment to help clarify your child’s pattern of cognitive strengths
and weaknesses, and develop recommendations for educational services and
behavior management. Neuropsychological assessment is available to all
children who are able to provide verbal responses to questions - vision
is not required to complete the assessment. Children who are able to participate
in neuropsychological testing will receive a brief (20-30 mins maximum)
assessment of cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and language
skills. In addition, the neuropsychologist will meet with parents to discuss
their specific concerns about their child’s learning and behavior.
Parents will receive a written report that summarizes test results and
recommendations. Educational consultation is also available, including
review of school records, providing schools with information on Batten
Disease, and assisting schools with planning their own evaluations and
services for the child with Batten’s. Follow-up assessment is also
available to track changes over time and help adjust services as needed.
Evaluation by other health care professionals will depend on
whether necessary evaluations have been done previously and on the parents’ wishes.
These could include evaluation by a Pediatric Ophthalmologist or other
Pediatric specialists and a visit with a genetic counselor. If the diagnosis
has not yet been confirmed, genetic testing will be offered and other
recommended diagnostic testing will be arranged either at the University
of Rochester or at a medical center near the family’s home. If the
diagnosis is confirmed after the visit to the center, genetic counseling
will be arranged at a medical center near the family’s home if desired.
Upon conclusion of the evaluation, a formal report will be prepared and sent to the patient’s primary care physician and to the patient’s family.
A major goal of the center is to conduct clinical research on Batten disease. Therefore, current research protocols will be discussed prior to the visit and each family will be given the opportunity to participate in our research. However, participation in research is not a requirement to be evaluated at the center.
Reimbursement will be sought from the patient’s insurance provider for the clinical components of the evaluation. Our office will assist in securing required referrals and authorization from insurance providers. There will be no charge for the research components.
Travel and Lodging
The University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY. The following airlines service the Greater Rochester International Airport:
Air Canada
Air Tran
American
Continental
Delta
Independence Air
Jet Blue
Northwest
United
US Airways
Since most patients will be coming to the center from outside of western New York, a visit to the Batten Disease Diagnostic and Clinical Research Center will entail an overnight stay in Rochester and up to a full day of evaluation. Lodging can be arranged at the Ronald McDonald House or at a nearby hotel depending on the family’s preference. Our staff will assist with lodging arrangements.
Ronald MacDonald House- cost $10 per day. A shuttle is available for transportation to the Medical Center 4 times a day at 9:15 am, 12 noon, 1 pm and 7 pm. Reservations must be scheduled through our office at (585) 275-4762. The house is located several blocks from the Medical Center.
