Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders are diagnosed through a physical evaluation and a discussion about your symptoms, health history and lifestyle. Our specialists may recommend additional tests, such as an electromyogram, which uses a needle to test a muscle’s electrical activity. Specific disorders can be diagnosed using blood tests, biopsy, spinal tap and advanced imaging.  

For example, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) causes the nerve cells that control muscle movement to die gradually. As a result, muscles decrease in size. ALS can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because its symptoms might resemble those of other neuromuscular disorders. While there is presently no cure, an accurate and early diagnosis can lead to treatments that slow the effects of the disease. 

Although many neuromuscular disorders do not yet have a cure, treatment can improve quality of life. We use a multidisciplinary and personalized approach to help you live with your condition, including new and emerging treatments to reduce nerve inflammation and manage disease progression. These treatments might include anti-inflammatory medications, adaptive devices designed to strengthen limbs, and individualized exercise and physical therapy programs. 

Our experts work together as a team to apply the latest therapies and deliver proactive treatments to help manage your condition and improve your quality of life. 

The neurology experts at Houston Methodist understand the challenging aspects of a wide range of neuromuscular disorders. We continually explore these disorders and research potential new treatments through clinical trials that are not widely available at other centers.  

Our experts provide precise diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for even the most complex neuromuscular disorders.