Treating Neuromuscular Diseases

We know that having a neuromuscular disease can be a challenge not only for our patients, but also for their families. At Providence, we provide highly advanced and innovative care to help slow the progression of neuromuscular diseases and help our patients maintain their quality of life.

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Why Choose Us for Your Neuromuscular Disease Care?

We’re by your side with care for your mind, body and spirit as you and your loved ones navigate the life changes that can come with a neuromuscular condition. Learn why thousands of patients trust us every year to treat their neuromuscular disease.

Doctor speaking with patient

At Providence, we take a team approach to treating your neuromuscular condition. Some of our amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment locations offer regular multidisciplinary clinics. This means you can see all the ALS specialists you need – sometimes as many as 10 – in one appointment. With this integrated care, you have fewer medical visits, easing stress for you and your loved ones. Our neuromuscular experts nurture a long-term relationship with you to monitor your condition and manage your care. In many cases, you can check in with your team in video appointments, so you don’t have to travel.

We have fellowship-trained and board-certified neurologists with expertise in neuromuscular subspecialties, so you know you’re getting the best care for your disorder. These specialists work together to diagnose your condition and tailor your care to your specific needs. At a multidisciplinary ALS clinic, your team may include pulmonologists; occupational, speech and physical therapists; dietitians; nurse specialists and rehabilitation doctors. Their goal is to slow the progression of your disease by managing your symptoms and helping you maintain strength and mobility.

Providence has long been a leader in advancing treatments for neuromuscular disorders. Our research has contributed to many medications in use today, including the third FDA-approved medication available to treat ALS. Patients also can take part in our active clinical trial program to find new therapies for neuromuscular diseases.

At Providence, we are committed to providing access to the best neuromuscular disease care across our diverse community. We respect and support the racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual and spiritual identities of our patients. We offer location-specific translation services for non-English-speaking patients, and in some locations we help with transportation. In keeping with our Mission, Providence also offers financial assistance programs that provide free and low-cost care to those who are eligible.

We also have partnerships with several nonprofit organizations. We are designated as a Center of Excellence by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, the Charcot- Marie-Tooth Association and the National ALS Association. These partners offer information about neuromuscular diseases, support groups and durable medical equipment for our patients.

As a patient at Providence, you’ll benefit from one of the largest networks of neuroscience experts in the country. We have two clinics certified as Centers of Excellence by the ALS Association, plus award-winning physicians, scientists and researchers across 51 hospitals in seven states. Our network is one of the reasons we care for patients with neuromuscular diseases during more than 17,000 appointments every year.

Our Commitment to Care

“The team is here for you. We are here to support you, to answer questions, to provide resources. If there’s a problem, we’re here to problem-solve. You’re not alone.”

Michael Elliott, M.D. - Executive Medical Director, Neurology
Providence Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle

More About Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular diseases affect the nerves and muscles. They can make it difficult for you to control your movements, causing weakness and a lack of coordination. You may fall frequently or have a hard time getting up after sitting. Some of these conditions can also cause problems with speech, swallowing and breathing.

The diagnosis, treatment and management of these diseases are best coordinated by neurologists with subspecialty training and expertise in neuromuscular medicine. Some examples of the types of neuromuscular diseases we diagnose and treat include:

  • Myopathies (muscle diseases)
    • Dermatomyositis
    • Inclusion body myositis
    • Metabolic myopathies
    • Muscular dystrophy
    • Necrotizing myopathy
    • Polymyositis
  • Neuromuscular junction diseases
    • Lambert-Eaton syndrome
    • Myasthenia gravis
  • Peripheral neuropathies (peripheral nerve diseases)
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
    • Diabetic polyneuropathy
    • Guillain-Barré syndrome
    • Ulnar neuropathy

Testing and Diagnostics

Doctor with patient smiling test results

Your neurological team will use the most advanced methods to diagnose your neuromuscular disease. These may include one or more of the following:

  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Lab testing
  • MRI
  • Nerve conduction studies

Personalized Treatment for Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular diseases have many symptoms, and they can vary by patient. Your care team works with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your health and personal needs. Your plan may include one or more of the following:

  • Nutrition
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Respiratory therapy
  • Speech therapy

Find Neurological Care Close to You

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

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