Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Hemiplegia
Paralysis of one arm, leg and sometimes the face may follow stroke, brain injury or congenital causes; exams, MRI or CT scans and EEG help pinpoint the damage.
Brandon Colby, MD
MD · MBA
Physician specializing in genetic analysis and personalized preventive medicine, and author of Outsmart Your Genes.
About Brandon
Brandon Colby is a physician-expert in the fields of genetic analysis and Personalized Preventive Medicine. He holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Colby is the author of the book Outsmart Your Genes and has developed numerous technologies that improve the analysis, interpretation, and actionability of genome sequencing data. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Education
- BA in Genetics with Honors, University of Michigan · 2000
- MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine · 2004
- MBA, Stanford University Graduate School of Business · 2007
Affiliations & Memberships
- Affiliate Specialist, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
- Associate, American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)
- Member, National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
Articles by Brandon Colby, MD are reviewed for accuracy by Sequencing's medical and scientific team. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Articles by Brandon
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
Red cell destruction, a low platelet count and sudden kidney failure define the syndrome, most often in children under five after an E. coli infection.
Decoding Hemorrhage: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Genetic Testing
Blood loss may be internal or external, including intracranial, gastrointestinal and postpartum types; weakness, dizziness and low blood pressure are warning signs.
Understanding Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Neoplasms: Diagnosis and Genetic Testing
Lynch syndrome accounts for 2-4% of colorectal cancers, and carriers of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2 mutations usually have colonoscopy every one to two years from age 20.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Hereditary Spherocytosis Type 2
Ankyrin, made by ANK1, keeps red cells in shape; when it is faulty, spherocytes break down early. Blood counts, smears and osmotic fragility tests support diagnosis.
Understanding and Tackling Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease Through Genetic Testing
Aneurysm, dissection or rupture can follow weakening of the aortic wall in HTAD, which covers Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes. Imaging and gene panels guide monitoring.
Understanding Hyalinosis, Segmental Glomerular
Hyaline deposits scar the glomeruli, bringing proteinuria, hematuria and high blood pressure. Kidney biopsy plus gene analysis confirms HSG and informs family planning.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Hydrocephalus
Cerebrospinal fluid gathering in the brain's ventricles raises pressure and brings headaches and balance problems; L1CAM, MPDZ and CCDC88C link to congenital forms.