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.

Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for ALS

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we are proud to be recognized as a Center of Excellence for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease. Since the establishment of our multidisciplinary ALS Clinic in 1996, we’ve been committed to delivering outstanding, individualized care for people living with this challenging condition.

Expert Team-Based Treatment

Although there is currently no cure for ALS, there are FDA-approved treatments that can slow disease progression and relieve symptoms. At BIDMC, care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that works collaboratively with patients and their families to provide comprehensive support.

Our team includes specialists in:

Neurology
Speech and language pathology
Pulmonology
Nutrition and gastroenterology
Social work
Physical and occupational therapy

Together, we create a personalized care plan that supports the physical, emotional, and functional needs of each person living with ALS.

Nationally Recognized ALS Center

Advancing the Future of ALS Treatment

Understanding ALS: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Related Conditions

ALS is a progressive neurologic disease that affects the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. Over time, it can impair a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe. While most cases have no known cause, about 5–10% are linked to genetic factors.

Recognizing the Symptoms of ALS

Common symptoms of ALS include:

Weakness or cramps in the arms and legs
Muscle twitching (fasciculations)
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Weakness in the face, mouth, and tongue

Symptoms typically progress over time, leading to increasing disability. Prompt evaluation by a neurologist can help clarify the cause and lead to earlier intervention.

Diagnosing ALS

ALS is diagnosed through a combination of clinical exams and specialized tests that help rule out other conditions. These may include:

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
MRI scans
Genetic testing, in some cases

Our team provides a thorough evaluation to confirm a diagnosis and guide each patient's care journey.

Other Motor Neuron Disorders We Treat

Our expertise also includes the diagnosis and treatment of other motor neuron conditions, including:

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS)
Progressive bulbar palsy
Spinobulbar muscular atrophy
Hereditary spastic paraplegia

Botulinum Toxin Therapy

Botulinum Toxin Therapy is a treatment for patients with spasticity and sialorrhea related to neuromuscular disease.

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.