Neuromuscular Disorders
The UTHealth Neuromuscular Program is a designated center of excellence for Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and records more than 4,000 patient visits annually, primarily adults age 18 and older. About two-thirds of patients seen by physicians are over the age of 50. Physicians at UTHealth Neurosciences specialize in complex neuromuscular disorders that are difficult to diagnose and treat, including neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory nerve and muscle disorders, autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorders, traumatic nerve injuries and toxic metabolic disorders of the peripheral nerves and muscles.
Neurodiagnostic facilities at the group’s Texas Medical Center location include a state-of-the-art Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory and a Muscle and Nerve Laboratory. The EMG Lab, directed by UTHealth neurologist Thy Nguyen, MD, provides comprehensive nerve conduction studies and EMG evaluations performed by experienced staff.
The neuromuscular program also offers biopsy services performed by our neuromuscular specialists and further processed in the laboratory by experienced staff. Specimens are then interpreted by specialists who are trained in neuromuscular pathology. The program offers muscle, nerve, and skin biopsies.
The group extends its expertise to the community through locations across Houston, offering diagnostic testing including nerve conduction and EMG, consultation and treatment in locations that are convenient and accessible.
Because electrodiagnostic evaluation is an extension of clinical findings, affiliated medical specialists perform a focused neuromuscular examination, including history and physical, before conducting the electrical test. In addition to nerve conduction and EMG, electrodiagnostic studies available at the lab include repetitive nerve stimulation, blink reflexes, cranial nerve studies, single-fiber electromyography and facial/trigeminal neuropathy. An invaluable diagnostic test, EMG provides evidence in support of diagnoses of peripheral neuropathies; motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy; muscle disorders such as myopathy and muscular dystrophy; neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis; entrapment neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar and peroneal neuropathies; and traumatic nerve injury, including evaluation of the brachial plexus and facial neuropathy. The UTHealth Neuromuscular Program is the only program in Houston that provides single-fiber EMG.
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At UTHealth Neurosciences, we offer patients access to specialized neurological care at clinics across the greater Houston area. To ask us a question, schedule an appointment, or learn more about us, please click below to send us a message. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.