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Brenda Louise Banwell, MD
- Director, Department of Pediatrics
Expertise: Pediatric Neurology, Neurology
Whether you have struggled with getting the right diagnosis or are looking for the best treatment options, our team of experts in pediatric neuroimmune disorders is here to help. Our program cares for children with multiple sclerosis (MS), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and related neuroimmune disorders from early childhood through young adulthood.
Schedule an Appointment
For Patients
For Clinicians
To refer a patient to our program, call 410-955-9441.
Conditions We Treat
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD)
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Myelitis
- Optic neuritis
- Encephalitis
- Neurological complications of autoimmune disease
- Neurological manifestations of rheumatological disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and neurosarcoidosis
- Other dysregulated neuroimmune disorders
Tests and Treatments We Offer
Diagnostic Tests
- Detailed clinical assessment
- Blood tests
- MRI
- Cerebrospinal fluid assessment
- EEG
Our Treatment Approach
We aim to maximize quality of life for our patients and their families by offering:
- Detailed family-centered discussion about the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.
- Medications to control the autoimmune process.
- Treatments to help manage symptoms of disease, such as fatigue.
- Collaboration with neuropsychology specialists to help support cognitive and school challenges.
- Referrals for physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Our Pediatric Neuroimmunology Experts
Why Choose Johns Hopkins?
Recognized Expertise

Research-Backed Therapies

Well-Rounded Care

Our Research on Neuroimmune Disorders
Our team is actively engaged in researching aspects of neuroimmune disorders that are still poorly understood. We hope to better understand why a specific condition has affected your child and how we can better predict outcomes.
As part of this effort, we organized a registry and a biorepository of data and samples collected from participating patients. These collections are helping to pave the way for learning more about these challenging disorders and their treatments.