Neuromuscular disorders

Neuromuscular diagnostic tests and screenings

Neuromuscular disorders are difficult to diagnose and require careful clinical assessment. Our Neuromuscular Program specializes in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders using detailed evaluations, including specific blood tests, muscle biopsy, and electromyography (EMG) to identify each patient’s condition and develop the most effective treatment plan.

EMG and nerve conduction studies

EMG, which measures function in peripheral nerves and muscles, is used to evaluate patients with nerve compression (carpal tunnel syndrome), radiculopathies (pinched nerves in the spine), diseases of the nerves (peripheral neuropathies, Lou Gehrig’s disease), disorders of the neuromuscular junction (myasthenia gravis) and muscle diseases such as myositis and muscular dystrophy.

During an EMG, brief electrical impulses are applied to the skin at different sites, and the patient’s responses are recorded electronically. For many patients, the test will require the insertion of a small needle into various sites to record the electrical currents generated by the muscles themselves, without any applied electrical stimulus.

Some nerve disorders, which affect only the smaller peripheral nerve fibers, may be assessed with a nerve conduction study, such as a small skin biopsy.

Neuromuscular treatment options

Our neuromuscular program treats a broad range of disorders of the peripheral nervous system.  From amyotrophic demyelinating polyneuropathy to sciatica. 

Treatment may include:

• immune suppression with medication
• intravenous gamma globulin
• physical therapy to improve strength and function

We specialize in these difficult diagnoses and in helping guide you through available treatment – be it for cure, disease control, or symptomatic improvement.

Physician services are provided by Atlantic Medical Group.

Neuromuscular support resources

Coping with a neuromuscular disorder can be frustrating and isolating. Education and support can be found through some of the following organizations:

• Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc.
• The Neuropathy Association
• The ALS Association
• GBS/CIDP Foundation International
• Muscular Dystrophy Association

Our guides to neuromuscular disorders

Learning more about neuromuscular disorders can be overwhelming, especially for patients who are newly diagnosed.  However, it is crucial for patients to have access to reliable information about their condition to help them manage their symptoms and make informed decisions about their care.

Atlantic Health offers a series of brochures that provide comprehensive information on a range of neuromuscular disorders.  These brochures cover topics such as the causes, symptoms, and treatments of various neuromuscular disorders, including deep dives into myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

They are written in plain language, so patients can easily understand the information presented. Additionally, the brochures contain helpful tips and strategies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

• Neuromuscular Resource Guide
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• My Diagnosis: Peripheral Neuropathy/Polyneuropathy
• Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies
• My Diagnosis: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/ Lou Gehrig’s Disease
• My Diagnosis: Myasthenia Gravis