NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Neurology and Neuroscience

Neuromuscular Diseases

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About Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular diseases are a wide-ranging group of diseases that affect nerves and muscles. They can arise following an injury, from other diseases such as diabetes, or from inherited or autoimmune diseases. Neuromuscular diseases can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and sometimes more severe symptoms such as difficulty talking, eating, or breathing.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's Neuromuscular Service includes a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists who are skilled at diagnosing and caring for people with a range of neuromuscular diseases, including:

• ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
• Guillain Barre syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Myopathy
• Peripheral, diabetic, and autonomic neuropathies

Our neurology and neurosurgery departments consistently rank among the top five in the nation in US News and World Report, and number one in New York City.

Skilled Diagnosis for Neuromuscular Diseases

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital neurologists are expert at diagnosing neuromuscular diseases with the aid of electrodiagnostic techniques including nerve conduction studies and electromyography to evaluate nerve and muscle function and pinpoint the nature and cause of neuromuscular problems. Doctors here may use other specialized methods to test motor, sensory, and autonomic functions when needed.

Individualized Treatment for Neuromuscular Diseases

Doctors offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific disease and symptoms, ongoing care, or second opinions depending on each patient's needs. Neuromuscular diseases are often related to other underlying health problems. Our neurologists work closely with clinicians in other specialties throughout NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to provide coordinated care for each patient's related medical problems.

Rehabilitation Throughout Care for Neuromuscular Diseases

Our rehabilitation medicine specialists provide comprehensive assessments and individualized rehabilitation plans for patients with neuromuscular disease in all phases of care, including acute care, in-patient, and out-patient settings.

Research for Neuromuscular Diseases

Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital are working to learn more about the causes of neuromuscular diseases and to find new and more effective treatments through clinical trials and through basic science laboratory research.