The Neuromuscular Service of the Division of Neurology specializes
in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases. Clinical services
include the MUSC Electromyography Laboratory, Muscular Dystrophy Association
(MDA) Clinic, Myasthenia Gravis Clinic, Neuromuscular Clinic, and the inpatient
Neuromuscular Consultation Service.
Clinical Services
MDA and Myasthenia Gravis Clinics. This Muscular Dystrophy
Association supported clinic meets weekly with patients
evaluated by Drs. Herring
and Stickler on Wednesday mornings. The MDA Clinic evaluates
patients of all ages and a variety of neuromuscular disorders,
including muscular
dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich’s
ataxia, inherited peripheral neuropathies, chronic inflammatory
demyelinating
polyradiculoneuropathy, and inflammatory myopathies.
Patients receive regular clinical follow-up and treatment, and
have
access to MDA-sponsored
patient educational and support resources. Dr. Stickler
also runs an additional half day MDA supported clinic specializing
in the diagnosis and management
of myasthenia gravis.
Neuromuscular Clinic: The MUSC Neuromuscular Clinic is designed for evaluation
and treatment of patients with possible neuromuscular disorders. This clinic
meets on a weekly basis and is supervised by Dr. David Stickler, who has
sub-specialty training and interest in patients with neuromuscular disease,
especially those with diseases of neuromuscular transmission. Many patients
undergo laboratory testing as part of their diagnostic evaluation, which
may include Electromyography and Nerve testing via the MUSC Electromyography
Laboratory.
Electromyography Laboratory: In addition to the clinical services provided,
the electromyography laboratory provides additional diagnostic information
through the use of nerve conduction studies, electromyography and single-fiber
electromyography.
Training and Education
Residents may elect to rotate through the neuromuscular service
and will be expected to see patients in the MDA, Myasthenia Gravis and
Neuromuscular Clinics. Additional training covering the techniques and
interpretations of nerve conduction and electromyography will be included.
A fellowship in clinical neurophysiology is offered and designed to
provide post residency training in neurophysiology with dedicated time
in the MUSC EMG Lab and Neuromuscular clinics.
A weekly neurophysiology conference is held every Thursday covering a wide
range of topics including neuromuscular physiology, neuromuscular diseases
and electromyography and nerve conduction studies. When the clinical neurophysiology
fellow rotates through the EMG lab, an additional Friday afternoon conference
for advanced neuromuscular topics will be scheduled.
Personnel:
David
Stickler, MD
Noreen
Herring, MD
Jerome Kurent, MD