| This research programme aims to study various aspects of immune-mediated and degenerative disorders of the central (multiple sclerosis, fronto-temporal dementia, epilepsia) and peripheral polyneuropathies, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating olyneuropathy, mitochondrial myopathy) nervous system, in close collaboration with other departments, particularly Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, Medical Psychology, Radiology, Genetics, Epidemiology, Hematology, Rehabilitation and Biochemistry as well as with other neurological and neuroimmunological centers around the world. The department of Paediatric Neurology participates in the 'Generation R' project The programme is focussed on the following main topics:1. Establishing the microbiological cause and the immunological mechanisms (e.g. molecular mimicry) leading to the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and Miller Fisher syndrome.2. Establishing the role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and other immunomodulatory agents in GBS and the chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) by organising and conducting randomised controlled clinical trials. 3. Study of mitochondrial disorders in patients with neuromuscular disorders.4. Study the role of immunological, genetic and infectious determinants on the disease course in multiple sclerosis (MS).5. Study the effect of coping, stress and quality of life in patients with recently diagnosed MS.6. Study the role of bone-marrow transplantation in patients with rapidly progressive MS.7. Establishing the 'ERASMS' multiple sclerosis center.8. Evaluating genetic and population related factors in (fronto-temporal) dementia and Parkinson's disease.9. Study the course of childhood epilepsy by collecting epidemiological data, using prognostic models and evaluating modified treatment strategies.10. Study of childhood epilepsy by initiating and conducting therapeutic trials.11. Identifying of genes and genetic mechanisms inchildhood epilepsy and in families with epilepsy.12. Study of genes causing migration disorders and their relation with seizures.13. Study molecular genetic aspects of deficient gene products and the cognitive aspects of cerebellar dysfunction in Williams syndrome.14. Evaluating neuropsychological disturbances in paediatric neuro-oncology |
