About Susanna Mierau, MD, PhD
Dr. Mierau is a neurologist and neuroscientist focused on autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. She trained as an undergraduate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Brain & Cognitive Sciences and as a graduate student at the University of Oxford where she received her doctorate in Neuroscience. She completed her medical training at Harvard Medical School and neurology residency program the combine program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She now combines a research career investigating the neurobiological basis of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders with clinical care at the Lurie Center.
Dr. Mierau's neuroscience research focuses on understanding how sensory experience shapes the developing brain and how this process is disrupted in neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett syndrome and some patients with autism. In her research at Oxford, she studied the role of sensory experience on the development of synapses, the connections between brain cells, in the part of the brain that responds to touch. She is now using similar techniques to investigate how synaptic function is altered in Rett syndrome, in brain region that processes vision, and to test new drugs that target the synaptic dysfunction. This research is important for understanding the regression of language, social and cognitive function in Rett syndrome and for developing new treatments.
Departments, Centers, & Programs:
Clinical Interests:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
Treats:
- Adult & Pediatrics
Medical Education
- MD, Harvard Medical School
- Residency, Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Fellowship, Boston Childrens Hospital (Massachusetts)
- Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Fellowship, University of Cambridge
American Board Certifications
- Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
Accepted Insurance Plans
- Aetna
- Beech Street
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
- Cigna
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Coventry
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Humana
- Maine Community Health Options
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- MassHealth
- Medicaid NH
- Medicaid VT
- Medicare
- Medicare ACO
- Multiplan
- Senior Whole Health
- TriCare
- United Health Care
- Wellpoint
- WellSense
- WellSense NH
Note: This provider may accept more insurance plans than shown; please call the practice to find out if your plan is accepted.
Dr. Mierau is an excellent doctor.
I am grateful that she was patient with me and provided me with the answers I wasn't sure about. Very detailed and concise with her answers.
I really like my doctor. I feel that she listens to me and she's very knowledgeable of what I'm going through and personally I like him as a person. It's good to feel that your doctor is a human being and that's how I feel about her.
Dr. Mierau listened carefully to all concerns I wished to addressed and was helpful when I asked important questions regarding my care. Despite the unforeseen circumstances that required the postponement of my appointment several times, her office was proactive in ensuring that I was not overlooked this time when it came time to reschedule.
excellent job
Very informative and progressive
Dr. Mierau always thoroughly reviews current concerns and explains any necessary action. She also offers guidance for situations that may arise due to specific conditions which educates the patient and family if a problem arises.
We are so grateful for Dr Mireau's care of our son [redacted] - as well as Dr [redacted] and Dr [redacted] who care for him as well. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful team of doctors and staff at the Lurie Center that care for [redacted]. We could never thank all of you enough for all you guys do. Again, thanks a million!
I am really excited to have found a provider who is willing to engage in discussion with me about the various aspects related to my needs and struggles and who is willing to think critically about possible causes and contributing factors. I also appreciate that she was thoughtful about and accommodating to my sensory and physical ability needs ... Read More
Excellent, caring , knowledgeable