Neuromuscular Disorders

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Neuromuscular disorders interfere with the connection between your nervous system and your muscles, impacting your ability to move. Houston Methodist’s expert team brings compassion and innovation to individualized care for patients and families living with neuromuscular disorders.

Houston Methodist’s neuromuscular team includes world-renowned researchers and surgeons who have developed and continue to build novel pathways to treat neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.  

“Neuromuscular disorder” is a broad term that encompasses many conditions and diseases. The signs and symptoms vary by your personal history and the mechanism of the specific disorder, which may include:

 

 

Our compassionate team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan based on your symptoms, condition and lifestyle. Together, we can help manage your condition and meet the challenges it brings. 

Exceptional Care for Neuromuscular Disorders

How are neuromuscular disorders diagnosed?

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. 

What treatments are available?

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. 

What if I need advanced care or a second opinion?

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. 

Learn More About Neuromuscular Disorders

Find Patient Resources

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Get the latest information and education on neuromuscular disorders, which include multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease, through Emmi, our multimedia educational system. 
Neuromuscular Disorder Education >
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Get information to prepare for your visit, as well as find answers to frequently asked questions.
Find Patient Resources >

Find Clinical Trials

Support Groups

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Houston Methodist is leading the way in research to find innovative treatment options.
Find a Neuromuscular Disorder Clinical Trial >
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At Houston Methodist, we know treatment is just one facet of living with neuromuscular disorders. We offer specific support groups that can help you cope with your diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Find a Neuromuscular Condition Support Group >

Live Every Day Fully

ALS survivor Kevin Kinchen with his wife, Margie Kinchen
Pastor Kevin Kinchen admits his ALS diagnosis was a game-changer — but it wasn’t the end of his world. With the help of our experts, Pastor Kevin is doing more than just coping with the effects of his condition. Instead, he’s managing its symptoms — and he’s continuing his ministry and busy lifestyle.

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