Adult Neurology
Kristine Joyce L. Porto, MD, PhD, FPNA
Neurologist · Neurogeneticist · Physician-Scientist
Comprehensive care for adult neurological conditions, with particular expertise in identifying when the genetic basis of a condition can add clarity to diagnosis, risk, and management.
Who This Is For
I am a patient or family member
Whether you're here for a general neurological concern or a possible genetic condition, this is the place to start. Learn what a consultation involves, or explore how genetic testing might factor into your care.
I am a referring physician
Referral criteria, diagnostic scope, and the methodology behind the neurogenetics service — written for colleagues who want the clinical detail directly.
What I Do
Clinical neurology and neurogenetics, grounded in research and built around the realities of practicing precision medicine in the Philippines today.
Neurogenetics Service
Phenotype-driven evaluation and genetic testing for neurodegenerative, neuromuscular, and inherited cerebrovascular conditions, with genetic counseling throughout.
General Neurology
Evaluation and management of common and complex adult neurological conditions, including stroke, headache, seizure disorders, and cognitive concerns.
Genetic Counseling & Testing Guidance
Help interpreting what a genetic test can and cannot answer, what a result means for a patient and their family, and how it fits into ongoing care.
Research & Collaboration
Active research in stroke genetics, neurodegeneration, and neuromuscular disease, in collaboration with local and international institutions.
Could Genetics Play a Role?
Most neurological concerns don't involve a genetic cause. A few situations are worth a closer look — if any of these sound familiar, it may be worth discussing:
- A neurological condition that runs in the family
- Symptoms that began earlier in life than typically expected
- A neurodegenerative condition without a clear cause identified so far
- Unexplained muscle weakness or a suspected muscular dystrophy
- A stroke at a young age, or without the usual risk factors
- A relative with a known genetic neurological diagnosis
The Mission
Alongside clinical care, this practice is part of a longer-term effort to build neurogenetics capacity within the Philippines — so that genetic answers for neurological disease don't have to depend on infrastructure located elsewhere.
Background
- Board-Certified Neurologist, Philippine Neurologic Association (2016)
- PhD in Medicine (Molecular Neuroscience), Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo (2024)
- Fellow, Philippine Neurological Association (FPNA)
- Balik Scientist Awardee, DOST–PCHRD, Quirino Memorial Medical Center
- Faculty, University of the Philippines Diliman; Senior Lecturer, NIMBB
- Former Specially-Appointed Researcher, Department of Neurology/Molecular Neurology, The University of Tokyo Hospital
Research Focus
Research work spans genetic epidemiology and molecular diagnostics, with an emphasis on conditions and populations that remain understudied:
- Stroke genetics, including early-onset and intracranial atherosclerosis
- Neurodegenerative disease genomics, including Multiple System Atrophy
- Neuromuscular and rare hereditary disease genetics
- Long-read sequencing and precision medicine applications
Reach out to schedule a consultation.
Share case details or request a discussion about a referral.