The Neuromuscular Disorders Section of the Department of Neurology is vibrant and growing with 8 faculty focusing on different aspects of diseases of nerve and muscle. Five of the faculty practice at Vanderbilt University Medical Center whereas one serves at the Veterans Administration Hospital and 2 at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has designated the Vanderbilt Neuromuscular Clinic as an MDA/ALS Clinic. Comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and follow up care are provided for people with neuromuscular disorders covered by the MDA. Among the many disorders covered are:

• the muscular dystrophies
• motor-neuron diseases like ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
• spinal muscular atrophies
• genetic neuropathies (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease)
• glycogen storage diseases
• periodic paralysis

The MDA website (www.mdausa.org) lists the disorders the organization covers.

Vanderbilt's MDA Neuromuscular Clinic is the only one in the Mid-South with a complete range of services that include specially trained physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nutritionists, and other experts who provide and maintain mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and splints. Patients in the MDA Clinic have the opportunity to enroll in national research studies and drug trials as they become available. Since 1970, the MDA has provided financial support to the clinic making it possible to provide physician services and mobility equipment that insurance will not cover.