Can Genetic Testing Help You or Your Child?

Photo of a boy in an orange shirt with green pants in a yellow wheelchair next to his mom, a woman in a blue shirt and white pants kneeling next to him with text to the left that reads: Genetic testing can be an incredibly powerful tool when the cause of CP is unclear.
A cerebral palsy diagnosis may have a genetic cause.
Young girl and woman smiling while looking at a tablet

New research is showing that up to 30% of CP cases may have a genetic cause. Some of these genetic conditions may have life changing treatments for the first time.

If you or your child have cerebral palsy where the cause is unclear, there are no-cost genetic tests and no-cost genetic counseling that can help answer some of these questions.
 
A neurotransmitter disorder, such as AADC deficiency, may be the genetic cause behind your child’s cerebral palsy.
 
If you suspect a neurotransmitter disorder, consider talking to your healthcare professional about ordering the PTC PinpointTM Neurotransmitter Disorders program.
 
The PTC PinpointTM Neurotransmitter Disorders program offers genetic testing, counseling, and family screening at no cost, for individuals suspected of having a neurotransmitter disorder that can aid with differential diagnosis.
 
This program analyzes up to 45 genes that are associated with disorders of monoamine metabolism, GABA metabolism, and neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, and can help support accurate diagnosis.
 
Please work with your healthcare professional to order the PTC PinpointTM Neurotransmitter Disorders test. 

What is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing looks for a genetic cause or risk for certain health problems. Knowing if you or your child's health problems have a genetic cause can help you and your doctors better understand the prognosis, ensure the appropriate treatments are in place, and learn about family planning implications. 

Genetic testing may help you:

  • Learn if CP symptoms have a genetic cause and understand the prognosis.
  • Discover the cause of symptoms when the diagnosis doesn't explain them.
  • Determine the right plan for you or your child's care, including new and emerging options.
  • Eliminate unnecessary treatments or medications that can cause complications

Please work with your healthcare professional to order the PTC PinpointTM Neurotransmitter Disorders test. 

"As medical knowledge continues to advance, the need for genetic testing and counseling is becoming a standard of care for patients with cerebral palsy in many cases, especially when the cause is unknown."

Timothy Feyma, MD, Child Neurologist at Gillette Children's