NEURO-MUSCULAR
The Neuromuscular Program focuses on diseases of the peripheral nerve and muscle. The components of the clinical program are described below:
The General Neuromuscular Consultation Clinic:
Provides consultation for patients with neuromuscular disorders that have difficult diagnostic or management issues.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic:
Provides comprehensive evaluation and care for pediatric and adult patients who has any one of 40 diagnoses supported by the MDA, including muscular dystrophies, polymyositis and dermatomyositis, spinal muscular atrophy, metabolic diseases of muscle, as well as myasthenia gravis and Charcot Marie Tooth. Advanced genetic testing, including research testing, is offered in this clinic. This is a multidisciplinary clinic that is sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic:
Also sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, this clinical provides clinical evaluations and second opinions for patients with have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease. This is a multidisciplinary clinic that provides a wide array of support services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, swallowing evaluation, speech therapy, and medical social work.
The Myasthenia Gravis Clinic:
This clinic is sponsored in part by the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of California. The clinic provides comprehensive care for patient with Myasthenia Gravis.
The EMG Laboratory:
Provides Nerve condution studies and electromyographic testing of patients with suspected neuromuscular and spinal conditions. Special techniques, including single fiber EMG, cranial nerve testing, and forearm ischemic exercise testing is also offered.
Muscle/Nerve Biopsy Service:
In collaboration of with the Neuropathology division, Dr. Shieh performs surgical muscle and/or nerve biopsies on patients with suspected a neuromuscular condition. Specimens are delivered promptly to the Neuropathology laboratory for immediate processing to avoid preservation artifacts. Consultation with EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies at UCLA are recommended to provide a clinical interpretation of the histopathological results.
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