Overview of the Neuromuscular Medicine Program

Overview

Neuromuscular medicine is a subspecialty that involves the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders. Neuromuscular disorders are a broad term that includes a range of conditions that affect the nerves that control our voluntary muscle function. They can also affect how our nerves communicate sensory information to the brain.

The role of our nerve cells – neurons – is to send and receive messages, via electrical impulses. Neurological disorders cause these nerve cells to stop working properly or die, so our nervous system and muscles cannot communicate, causing muscles to weaken and waste (called atrophy).

The Neuromuscular Medicine Program within the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides patients with comprehensive, systematic and personalized care. Our innovative services and experienced caregivers aim to improve the quality of our patient’s lives and while providing compassionate treatment through our Patients First approach.

What We Treat

The Neuromuscular Medicine Program treats a wide range of neurological disorders, including:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Hirayama’s disease
Spinal muscular atrophy
Post-polio syndrome
Cervical, lumber and thoracic radiculopathy
Brachial, lumber and lumbosacral plexopathy
Hereditary peripheral polyneuropathy, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
Acquired peripheral polyneuropathies (e.g., diabetic and immune mediated neuropathies)
Autonomic neuropathies
Various muscular dystrophies
Congenital and acquired myopathies
Inflammatory myopathies
Neuromuscular transmission disorders, like myasthenia gravis.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The Neuromuscular Medicine Program provides state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, neuromuscular evaluation and treatment options, aimed at maximizing quality of life and minimizing levels of disability.

Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders are varied in their causes and symptoms, and diagnosis involves the use of both common and advanced techniques.

Patients will be initially evaluated via a detailed medical history and thorough examination by a consultant neurologist, who is specially trained in neuromuscular medicine. Depending on the initial findings of the evaluation, patients will undergo a series of diagnostic procedures. Additional testing may be required, which can include specialized blood tests and genetic testing, nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS), single fiber EMG, skin biopsy, imaging studies and nerve and muscle biopsy.

After confirming a diagnosis, the consultant will discuss with the patient and their family the outcome of the diagnostic tests and the best possible treatment plan.

Treatment of Neuromuscular Disorders

Once a diagnosis is reached, therapeutic options will be offered, which can include specific medications to either alter the disease process, such as immunosuppressants with steroid, IVIG, plasmapheresis, or immunomodulating medications, or to treat the symptoms (symptomatic treatment).

Disease management is also offered, which may include physical rehabilitation and the use of orthotics, to help patients be more independent, and improve quality of life.