Neuromuscular Disease Program
At Children's Health℠, we work with babies and children who have a wide range of conditions that affect their nerves and muscles. Some neuromuscular diseases are genetic, and others may be caused by injuries, autoimmune diseases or infections. These diseases can affect different groups of muscles and different kinds of nerves.
Children’s Health has one of the nation’s largest programs for pediatric neuromuscular medicine. We offer the latest diagnostic tools and treatments for these rare and complex conditions. Our affiliation with UT Southwestern means your child may also be able to join research studies that give them access to new treatments.
Conditions We Treat
- Pediatric Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
- Pediatric chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Congenital myopathy
- Pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
- Muscular dystrophy (MD) in children
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) in children
- Pediatric myotonic dystrophy
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in children
- Pediatric hypotonia (floppy muscle syndrome)
- Pediatric neuromuscular disorders
- Pediatric polyneuropathy cognitive disorders
- Muscle weakness in children
- Botulism
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
- Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- Friedreich’s Ataxia
- Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies
- Mitochondrial Myopathies
- Toxic Neuropathies
Comprehensive, expert care
When a child has neuromuscular symptoms, families want answers as soon as possible. Our care team can see and evaluate your child quickly, and we have the expertise to diagnose and treat rare neuromuscular conditions.
Through our program, your child can get help from experts across many specialties to get the therapies they need. We also coordinate care among these specialists, so you can be confident that your child is receiving the care they need at the right time.
When a child is referred to us, we do a careful clinical evaluation and diagnosis. We offer:
Genetic testing and counseling
Muscle and nerve biopsies
Electrophysiological testing (electromyography, nerve conduction studies and repetitive nerve stimulation)
Nutritional assessments
Social work support
Case manager support
Advancing care through research
We participate in national and global research trials. This research helps advance knowledge about these complex conditions, and also tests promising new therapies. If other therapies have not succeeded, you may be able to enroll your child in a study exploring new treatments.
National recognition
Our team has been recognized by national organizations for our expertise in caring for children with neuromuscular disorders. This includes:
The only Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Clinic in Texas certified by the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
A Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic, designated for our expert care and research
A Care Center Network site recognized by the Cure SMA Foundation for our work on spinal muscular dystrophy. This network is devoted to expanding access to approved treatments and studying new ones.
CMTA Center of excellence for patients with Charcot Marie Tooth
Center of excellence for patients with Guillain Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Center of excellence for patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Children's Health Resources
What to expect at your neuromuscular disease appointment
Comprehensive, expert care
When a child has neuromuscular symptoms, families want answers as soon as possible. Our care team can see and evaluate your child quickly, and we have the expertise to diagnose and treat rare neuromuscular conditions.
Through our program, your child can get help from experts across many specialties to get the therapies they need. We also coordinate care among these specialists, so you can be confident that your child is receiving the care they need at the right time.
When a child is referred to us, we do a careful clinical evaluation and diagnosis. We offer:
Genetic testing and counseling
Muscle and nerve biopsies
Electrophysiological testing (electromyography, nerve conduction studies and repetitive nerve stimulation)
Nutritional assessments
Social work support
Case manager support
Advancing care through research
We participate in national and global research trials. This research helps advance knowledge about these complex conditions, and also tests promising new therapies. If other therapies have not succeeded, you may be able to enroll your child in a study exploring new treatments.
National recognition
Our team has been recognized by national organizations for our expertise in caring for children with neuromuscular disorders. This includes:
The only Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Clinic in Texas certified by the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
A Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic, designated for our expert care and research
A Care Center Network site recognized by the Cure SMA Foundation for our work on spinal muscular dystrophy. This network is devoted to expanding access to approved treatments and studying new ones.
CMTA Center of excellence for patients with Charcot Marie Tooth
Center of excellence for patients with Guillain Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Center of excellence for patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Children's Health Resources
What to expect at your neuromuscular disease appointment
Harrison's story: How gene therapy could help against Duchenne muscular dystrophy
When Pam first heard about gene therapy, she thought it sounded like science fiction. She never would have guessed her son would be among the first patients to receive an innovative new gene therapy that's giving new hope against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
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A family finds answers and support for brothers with muscular dystrophy
When Daniel was 5 years old, he began experiencing chronic stomach pain and had difficulty walking after playing for a particularly long period of time. Believing that he may have a food-related allergy, his pediatrician referred Daniel to Isabel Rojas, M.D., Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Children’s Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.
Read MoreMeet the Care Team
Kaitlin Batley, MDPediatric Neurologist
Susan Iannaccone, MDPediatric Neurologist
Erica Knoll, PA-CPhysician Assistant - Neurology
