Dr. Ethan G. Brown is a neurologist who primarily cares for adults with movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, other types of parkinsonism, ataxia, dystonia, tremor and related conditions. He focuses on diagnosing and managing movement disorders through lifestyle changes and medications, as well as treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox). He also works with a team of other specialists to help manage deep brain stimulation and other surgical therapies.
In research, Brown is interested in characterizing the earliest stages – or prodromal stage – of Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders. His projects involve identifying risk factors for these conditions and finding methods that facilitate their earliest possible diagnosis. Through a better understanding of prodromal disease, he hopes to enable earlier symptom treatment and biomarker identification (finding measurable indications of disease) and also to advance investigations of new treatments.
Brown is also interested in environmental exposures that may be related to the development of Parkinson's disease or its progression. He is studying how changes in the gut microbiome (intestinal bacteria), among other factors, may contribute to Parkinson's disease symptoms, impact disease progression, or affect how drugs are transformed in the body. He is conducting a clinical trial (a study using human volunteers) to explore whether manipulating the gut microbiome can ease symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease.
Brown earned his medical degree at Weill Cornell Medical College. He completed a residency in neurology and a fellowship in movement disorders at UCSF. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
In his free time, Brown enjoys hiking, biking and being with his family.
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