Inna Hughes, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Child Neurology and Epilepsy at the University of Rochester. Her clinical interests are both in pediatric epilepsy and general child neurology. Dr. Hughes completed undergraduate studies at Williams College and graduated from Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine after completion of the combined MD, PhD program. She completed her Child Neurology residency training and a Pediatric Epilepsy fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY.

Dr. Hughes is board certified in Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology and board certified in Epilepsy. She is an active member in the American Academy of Neurology, American Epilepsy Society, and the Child Neurology Society. She has several research interests including the development and genetics of childhood onset epilepsy syndromes, dietary therapy in children and teens, transition of care for young adults with epilepsy, and development of teaching and community programs to improve education and awareness for patients with epilepsy.

Certified Specialties

Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology - American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor - Department of Neurology, Epilepsy (SMD)

Associate Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Epilepsy, University of Rochester Medical Center. 2014 - 2015

Residency, University of Rochester Medical Center. 2009 - 2012

Internship, Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital-University of Rochester. 2007 - 2009

Education

MD | Washington University School of Medicine. 2007

Awards

Upstate New York Regional Champions. 2011

Alpha Omega Alpha Society. 2011

Spencer T and Ann W. Olin Medical Scientist Fellow. 2007

Merlie Fine Sciences Travel Award. 2004

Viktor Hamburger Award. 2004

Graduate Student Presentation Award. 2004

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Fellowship. 2004 - 2007

Honors in Biology, Magna cum Laude. 1999

Medical Scientist Training Program grant. 1999 - 2003

Minority Undergraduate Summer Internship Program. 1998

Acceleration to Excellence Scholarship. 1995 - 1997

Publications

Journal Articles

Seizure Frequency Process and Outcome Quality Measures: Quality Improvement in Neurology.

Munger Clary H, Josephson SA, Franklin G, Herman ST, Hopp JL, Hughes I, Meunier L, Moura LMVR, Parker-McFadden B, Pugh MJ, Schultz R, Spanaki MV, Bennett A, Baca C

Neurology.. 2022 April 598 (14):583-590. Epub 1900 01 01.

Genetic mosaicism, intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity, and molecular defects of a novel missense SLC6A1 mutation associated with epilepsy and ADHD.

Poliquin S, Hughes I, Shen W, Mermer F, Wang J, Mack T, Xu D, Kang JQ

Experimental neurology.. 2021 August 342 :113723. Epub 05/05/2021.

Quality improvement in neurology: Epilepsy Quality Measurement Set 2017 update.

Patel AD, Baca C, Franklin G, Herman ST, Hughes I, Meunier L, Moura LMVR, Munger Clary H, Parker-McFadden B, Pugh MJ, Schultz RJ, Spanaki MV, Bennett A, Josephson SA

Neurology.. 2018 October 3091 (18):829-836. Epub 10/03/2018.

Lineage-specific evolution of the vertebrate Otopetrin gene family revealed by comparative genomic analyses.

Hurle B, Marques-Bonet T, Antonacci F, Hughes I, Ryan JF, Comparative Sequencing Program N, Eichler EE, Ornitz DM, Green ED

BMC evolutionary biology. 2011 January 2411 :23. Epub 01/24/2011.

The timing and location of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression determine enteric nervous system structure and function.

Wang H, Hughes I, Planer W, Parsadanian A, Grider JR, Vohra BP, Keller-Peck C, Heuckeroth RO

The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience.. 2010 January 2730 (4):1523-38. Epub 1900 01 01.

Identification of the Otopetrin Domain, a conserved domain in vertebrate otopetrins and invertebrate otopetrin-like family members.

Hughes I, Binkley J, Hurle B, Green ED, , Sidow A, Ornitz DM

BMC evolutionary biology. 2008 February 68 :41. Epub 02/06/2008.

Otopetrin 1 activation by purinergic nucleotides regulates intracellular calcium.

Hughes I, Saito M, Schlesinger PH, Ornitz DM

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.. 2007 July 17104 (29):12023-8. Epub 07/02/2007.

Mixing model systems: using zebrafish and mouse inner ear mutants and other organ systems to unravel the mystery of otoconial development.

Hughes I, Thalmann I, Thalmann R, Ornitz DM

Brain research.. 2006 May 261091 (1):58-74. Epub 03/09/2006.

Microscale analysis of proteins in inner ear tissues and fluids with emphasis on endolymphatic sac, otoconia, and organ of Corti.

Thalmann I, Hughes I, Tong BD, Ornitz DM, Thalmann R

Electrophoresis.. 2006 April 27 (8):1598-608. Epub 1900 01 01.

Otopetrin 1 is required for otolith formation in the zebrafish Danio rerio.

Hughes I, Blasiole B, Huss D, Warchol ME, Rath NP, Hurle B, Ignatova E, Dickman JD, Thalmann R, Levenson R, Ornitz DM

Developmental biology.. 2004 December 15276 (2):391-402. Epub 1900 01 01.

GFRalpha1 expression in cells lacking RET is dispensable for organogenesis and nerve regeneration.

Enomoto H, Hughes I, Golden J, Baloh RH, Yonemura S, Heuckeroth RO, Johnson EM, Milbrandt J

Neuron.. 2004 November 1844 (4):623-36. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.9

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.8

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.9

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.9

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.9

Patient Comments

5.0

Dr. Hughes is literally our life line and has kept my son alive and thriving through daily seizures his entire life. Without her he may not be here and we are sooo very fortunate for the quality and compassionate care she provides [...].

Jan 03, 2025

3.0

Good

Dec 09, 2024

5.0

Dr. Hughes is a fantastic provider, her time and knowledge is always appreciated.

Nov 28, 2024

5.0

Dr. Hughes really makes sure that you don't feel like just a number in her practice. She remembers details from previous visits and makes sure to tailor the visit to the specific needs of our child, while valuing our opinion In decision-making of next steps. She Is full of knowledge and advice and offers so much support! We have had wonderful experiences with her with our son's care and highly recommend her!

Oct 06, 2024

5.0

Inna Hughes is the best neurologist! She cares deeply for me and wants me to live the best life I can.

Sep 23, 2023

5.0

Every time we have visit or communication w/ Dr. Hughes is outstanding! Only regret is, we didn't find her years ago.

Jun 28, 2023

5.0

We ALWAYS receive exceptional care, concern and communication with Dr. Hughes.

May 30, 2023

5.0

Dr. Hughes is the best and I am very thankful that she is taking care of my son.

Apr 04, 2023

My doctor is very nice

Mar 17, 2023

5.0

Best dr. we have ever seen or dealt with for our daughter.

Mar 14, 2023

5.0

Very good doctor.

Dec 07, 2022

5.0

You need a category beyond "very good". There is no adequate description for the care we receive from Dr. Hughes. "Rock Star" might be close. She's brilliant, well-informed, anticipates our current concerns prior to us walking in the door and has researched answers ahead of time. She clearly reviewed our most recent medical history because she started off by saying "I see the surgery went well" referencing a spinal surgery at another hospital, in another city, that had nothing to do with her treatment of Billy. How often does that happen when you see a doctor? Usually you spend the first 5 minutes catching them up on what's going on- Dr. Hughes does that PRIOR to you walking in the door. She is AMAZING. I have complete trust and faith in her knowledge and advise. She has changed our son's life in ways that are so positive, words cannot do it justice.

Sep 29, 2022

She is in excellent provided who really have giving my daughter the best care

Apr 19, 2022

Dr. Inna Hughes has been part of our NEURO Care team for the past decade. She is fabulous and we drive from over an hour a way to see her. The telemed option for this appointment was fabulous as she was able to provide the same super care without the drive transporting our medically complex kiddo to the office. [...]

Apr 13, 2022