Neuromuscular Disorders Programs & Services

Our Neuromuscular Disease Services

Neurophysiology & Diagnostic Services

Symptoms resulting from neuromuscular disease may occur with other illnesses as well. Making an accurate diagnosis is the first step in determining a patient’s care plan. The tests administered for each individual vary on a case-by-case basis, but may include:

A physical exam, including blood testing and possible collection of spinal fluid
Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays
Nerve conduction studies, which measure how signals travel through nerves
Electromyography (EMG), which measures electrical activity in muscle
Specialized neuromuscular junction testing, including single fiber EMG
Nerve and muscle biopsy
Neuromuscular ultrasound
Autonomic testing and skin biopsy

Specialty Clinics & Services

We provide expert diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive services, including access to innovative clinical research studies and therapeutic trials. All of our clinicians treat a wide variety of neuromuscular diseases, and some have a specific focus in addition to their general knowledge. We offer the following specialty clinics and services.

Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic

For patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a skilled healthcare team is essential for treatment. BIDMC’s multidisciplinary ALS clinic allows for convenient access to a wide variety of providers, including neurologists, speech and physical therapists, and social workers. In addition to receiving the latest treatments, patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials aimed at developing the next generation of ALS therapies.

Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Clinical Research

Our clinicians have an active clinical research portfolio. BIDMC is a member of the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS), an international network of over 130 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) centers collaborating to advance ALS research and patient care.

We are one of the healthcare sites participating in the Healey ALS Platform trial, an innovative research approach that tests multiple ALS therapies at the same time to accelerate discoveries that help patients. BIDMC is also part of NeuroNEXT, a network of universities, foundations, and companies partnering to advance the study of neurological disease treatments.

Our clinicians are actively involved in a wide range of research studies, and we are proud to be participating at the frontiers of neuromuscular disease diagnosis and care. Patients who are interested and eligible to participate in these clinical trials can learn more here.