Skip to Content

Disclaimer

Disclaimer
MDS makes every effort to publish accurate information on the website. "Google Translate" is provided as a free tool for visitors to read content in one's native language. Translations are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. Neither MDS nor its employees assume liability for erroneous translations of website content.

International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Main Content

Genetic Counseling

Role of the Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors are qualified health professionals who provide information about diseases that run in families, explain how much risk a family member has for an inherited condition and whether or not genetic testing can provide answers. They offer psychosocial support to individuals and families concerned about genetic risk and help them make decisions that consider their culture, values, and social situation. Genetic counselors assist families in finding literature, support groups, and other resources. If a genetic condition is suspected, referrals are made to a genetic counselor for informational counseling, whether or not the individual elects to undergo a genetic test.

Genetic counseling is available for many movement disorders, not limited to the following:

View complete description  
  • Ataxia
  • Dystonia
  • Myoclonic Dystonia
  • Huntington's disease and other choreas
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Frontotemporal Dementia and related conditions
  • Mitochondrial diseases  

The genetic counselor and the individual/family discuss all known causes of the condition, including any genetic causes. A medical family history will be constructed [drawn pedigree] and used to assess the risk of a hereditary condition in each case. The genetic counselor will discuss whether genetic testing is available, what the testing can and cannot show, and reasons for and against doing the testing. The individual and family concerns about and reasons for testing are explored. The genetic counselor will help the individual/family make decisions concerning genetic testing. Other concerns addressed include communication between family members, research opportunities, and referrals for help.



Originally contributed by Jill Goldman, MS MPhil and Jennifer Williamson, MS (2009); Maintained by the Health Professionals SIG.

 

Editor's Picks: Articles

Nomenclature of Genetic Movement Disorders: Recommendations of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Task Force – An Update 
Movement Disorders, 2022.
Read article »

Parkinsonism in Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review 
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 2022.
Read article »

How Do I Confirm that a New Mutation is Pathogenic?
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 2018.
Read article »

Genetic Dystonia-ataxia Syndromes: Clinical Spectrum, Diagnostic Approach, and Treatment Options.
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 2018.​​​​​​​
Read article » 

Tools

Please wait while we gather your results.
MDSGene Tool

MDSGene

Overview of published data on causative gene mutations. ✪ MEMBERS ONLY

Prodromal PD Calculator

A web-based medical calculator for Prodromal Risk in Parkinsonism. ✪ MEMBERS ONLY


Latest Media

Resource Type

Please wait while we gather your results.

 

 

 

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience with our website. These cookies are also used to ensure we show you content that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, you are agreeing to our use of cookies to improve your user experience. You can click the cookie settings link on our website to change your cookie settings at any time. Note: The MDS site uses related multiple domains, including mds.movementdisorders.org and mds.execinc.com. This cookie policy only covers the primary movementdisorders.org and mdscongress.org domain. Please refer to the MDS Privacy Policy for information on how to configure cookies for all other domains on the MDS site.
Cookie PolicyPrivacy Notice