Northshore Neurological Institute experts use the latest technology to treat neuromuscular conditions.
More than 2 million Americans today suffer from conditions that affect the muscles and peripheral nerves. Perhaps the most commonly recognized of these disorders is muscular dystrophy. But there are many other myopathies as well, including peripheral neuropathy, motor neuron disorders like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and myasthenia gravis, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
Some of these diseases are progressive, and all can hinder a person’s daily life. The good news is they can be managed; quality of life can be maintained. At the Neurological Institute’s neuromuscular program, we use a team approach to evaluating and treating patients with diseases affecting the muscles.
Diagnosis
Our neuromuscular specialists are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive care, using the latest technology for diagnosis. We carefully gather patient histories and conduct extensive physical exams that can include blood work, an electromyogram (EMG) and a nerve conduction study for initial functional testing of nerves and muscles.
In addition, specially trained and certified neurologists and physiatrists conduct EMG testing at NorthShore hospitals, evaluating patients’ nerve and muscle health, discerning any abnormalities.
Information gleaned from these tests leads to accurate diagnosis and prognosis reporting, resulting eventually in the development of personalized treatment plans.
Treatment
Our Neurological Institute experts work with skill, care and compassion to determine the underlying cause of a patient’s condition—and to help alleviate their symptoms by using the broadest range of medications available.
At the cutting edge of drug development, we keep constantly abreast of the most advanced therapeutic treatment options available to restore a patient’s quality of life.
Team Care Advantage
The best treatment plans often depend on balance: a careful combination of medications and physical therapy. That’s why neurologists and physiatrists at the Neurological Institute work in close collaboration to ensure a measured and judicious approach.
Our physiatry team provides physical medicine and rehabilitation services designed to maximize function, so patients can overcome their disabilities and get back to their daily life. Our experts also work with their colleagues in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics and other related disciplines.
NorthShore’s neuromuscular clinic meets regularly at Glenbrook Hospital, bringing a vast team of Neurological Institute specialists together in one place to discuss specific cases. This affords patients the benefit of added expertise—and multiple opinions—for the best possible treatment plans.
For patients faced with the progressive threat of ALS, our specialists focus on symptomatic management. Working in tandem with speech and other therapists, and even social workers, to help patients and their families cope with this devastating condition.
Research Means Patients Have Options
In addition to treatment and diagnosis, the Neurological Institute is committed to research. It’s one of the best ways we can continue to discover increasingly better treatment options for our patients.
Our neuromuscular specialists have been involved in promising drug and other research studies and continually look for collaborative research opportunities to advance knowledge and patient care.
For More Information
Please call 877.570.7020 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.