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About Us
Lourie Center for Pediatric MS
The Lourie Center for Pediatric MS was the first multidisciplinary center in the U.S. dedicated to addressing the specific needs of pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is one of six nationwide Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence designated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We are committed to improving the lives of children with MS and advancing research that will benefit all individuals with MS. The clinical evaluation includes assessments by pediatric and adult neurologists who specialize in MS, a team nurse, neuropsychologists and a neuro-ophthalmologist. The psychosocial, cognitive and behavioral aspects of the disease are also addressed. Our program includes optional participation in research for those meeting criteria. The Center is located at the Clinical Research Center, 33 Research Way, East Setauket, NY.
Diagnostics
The Center offers a comprehensive one- to two-day multidisciplinary evaluation that includes a neurological assessment by a pediatric neurologist and MS specialist; a neuropsychological evaluation and psychological assessment; ophthalmology and radiology exams; in-depth assessment by the team nurse; consultation with the patient’s physician; and consultation with the school system.
Technology
The Center uses advanced neuroimaging technologies for clinical management and research studies, including:
- MRI scanning at 1.5T and 3T
- Magnetic transfer imaging
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Diffusion tensor imaging
- PET scan
Treatment
- Access to the most current medications
- Individual case management
- Psychological support
- Transition to Stony Brook’s Adult MS Comprehensive Care Center
- Assistance with school and academic concerns
- Opportunities to engage in cognitive remediation
Team Approach to Care
The Center is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including neurology, pediatric neurology, nursing, psychiatry, neuropsychology, neuroradiology, ophthalmology and rehabilitation therapists.
Physicians
- Lauren B. Krupp, MD, Neurologist, Program Director
- Anita L. Belman, MD, Pediatric Neurologist
Supporting Specialists
- Leigh Charvet, PhD, Neuropsychologist, Certified School Psychologist
- Maria Milazzo, RN, MS, PNP-C, Nurse Practitioner
- Robert Peyster, MD, Radiologist
- Thomas Preston, PhD, Neuropsychologist
- Dorothy Reynolds, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmologist
- Patrick Sibony, MD, Neuro-Ophthalmologist
- Mary Squillace, OTD, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist
- Deborah Weisbrot, MD, Psychiatrist
Research
Research projects have addressed genetic and environmental factors, diagnostic biomarkers with proteomics, epidemiology, metabolomics, biomedical studies, and behavioral cognitive analyses:
- Ongoing analysis of biochemical markers in blood samples to facilitate diagnosis.
- Established standardized definitions with international consensus to promote prospective research.
- Measured cognitive and psychosocial changes.
- Demonstrated the safety of MS treatments in children.
- Ongoing analysis of metabolomic signatures of MS lesions in affected patients using advanced neuroimaging.
- Ongoing multicenter research to identify genetic and environmental etioligic factors.
- See pediatricmscenter.org/research for research publications.
Programs and Services
With a strong commitment to patient- and family-centered care, the Center excels at community outreach and patient education. Examples include:
- A periodic free educational series for patients and families on timely topics and recent research breakthroughs.
- Teen Adventure Camp, the only camp of its kind in the U.S. specifically for adolescents with MS. This free annual sleepaway camp gives teens with MS an opportunity to participate in outdoor activities and meet others facing the same challenges.
About the Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute
Composed of 10 highly specialized centers plus a core neurosciences program, the Neurosciences Institute continues to recruit top physicians and invest in latest generation technology. Visit neuro.stonybrookmedicine.edu to learn more.
Stony Brook Medicine integrates and elevates all of Stony Brook University’s health-related initiatives: education, research and patient care. It includes five Health Sciences schools — Dental Medicine, Health Technology and Management, Medicine, Nursing and Social Welfare — as well as Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital and 50 community-based healthcare settings throughout Suffolk County. To learn more, visit stonybrookmedicine.edu.
CONTACT THE LOURIE CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC MS
THE LOURIE CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC MS is part of Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital and the Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute, a regional leader in diagnosing the full range of brain and neurological disorders. The Institute provides access to world-class specialists, sophisticated medical imaging technology and advanced treatment modalities.
COMMUNICATION: We view our role in the community as collaborators and consultants with referring physicians. With that in mind, we keep the lines of communication open, welcome calls from our colleagues and respond to inquiries quickly and efficiently.
CALL: To make an appointment or speak with someone at the Lourie Center for Pediatric MS, call (631) 444-7802.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit pediatricmscenter.org.
Stony Brook University Hospital
101 Nicolls Road Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 444-4000