Our Rett syndrome-specific autonomic assessment indicates where problems lie, the possible clinical risks, answers questions and will enable everyone involved in the care of the Rett syndrome patient be better prepared for the respective tasks ahead. |
Rett Syndrome
Breakspear Medical Group’s Peripheral Nerve and Autonomic Unit now offers autonomic monitoring for people of all ages with Rett syndrome.
"At this time, there are no National Health Service or other private facilities in the UK that provide this service to the general public." - Athena Pite, Rett Syndrome Association, UK.
The most important aim of the medical investigations we offer is to improve the quality of life for those with Rett syndrome. By letting medical practitioners, parents and carers know where problems lie, and the possible clinical risks, our Rett syndrome-specific autonomic assessment will help by answering questions and will enable everyone involved in the care of the Rett syndrome patient be better prepared for the respective tasks ahead.
The results of the assessments provide the following valuable information:
- Stratification of autonomic competence
- Characterisation of breathing abnormalities, which can lead to understanding the possibilities of clinical interventions once the breathing phenotype has been determined
- Diagnosis of non-epileptic behaviours, especially vacant spells
- Identification and diagnosis of the various risk factors
Research has shown that the autonomic nervous system plays a significant part in Rett syndrome characteristics. By completing this objective assessment which defines each patient’s specific type of symptoms, a prescription of care methods and valuable treatment recommendations will become available which could help avoid the various, potentially life-threatening circumstances that are affiliated with this condition.
If desired, follow up assessments can accurately monitor changes as treatment and care methods are altered over time, which can only lead to further improved quality of life for the patient.
Information and references
Dr Julu previously ran the Peripheral Nerve and Autonomic Monitoring Unit in the Department of Neurology, Central Middlesex Hospital, London, under the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (which was not part of the National Health Service). This was the only unit in the UK that performed target-organs orientated examinations of the autonomic nervous system and the assessment of brainstem function in Rett Syndrome.
For more information on Dr Peter Julu's work, research and developments, visit medifitgroup.com, or Queen Mary University of London.
To request an information booklet on Rett Syndrome and how autonomic monitoring works, contact info@breakspearmedical.com.
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