Board-certified neuromuscular specialists at Rush provide coordinated, comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for patients with various conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophy, that affect the peripheral nervous system.

With expertise in the early diagnosis of complex disorders, we can offer care to patients sooner. We draw upon a wide breadth of innovative treatments that include oral medications, intravenous infusions and botulinum injections to provide individualized care for our patients. Our patient-centered management approach combines this leading-edge medical care with excellent support services, including nursing, nutrition counseling, social work, and physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy. Together, this helps patients better manage their neuromuscular condition.

When appropriate, we also provide patients the opportunity to enroll in the latest clinical research trials. You’ll find the updated list of all our trials at rush.edu/clinical-trials.

Why refer your patients here?

World-renowned care: The neurology and neurosurgery programs at Rush are ranked No. 4 in the nation and best in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report.

ALS Association affiliate center: Rush University Medical Center is an affiliate of the Greater Chicago Chapter of the ALS Association. Rush provides ALS care that includes multiple specialties and follows gold-standard guidelines for care. In addition, Rush offers services in a supportive atmosphere with an emphasis on improving patients’ quality of life.

Muscular dystrophy care center: The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) named Rush an MDA Care Center. According to the MDA, these centers offer a higher level of muscular dystrophy care and medical research. Rush also specializes in pediatric muscular dystrophy care.

Exemplary electromyography (EMG) lab: The Rush EMG lab earned exemplary status, the highest level of accreditation given by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), which ensures patients receive quality medical care in a safe environment.

Conditions we treat

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Brachial plexopathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy
• Kennedy disease
• Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome 
• Lumbosacral plexopathy
• Motor neuron disease
• Multifocal motor neuropathy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Myopathy
• Myotonia
• Neuropathy
• Periodic paralysis
• Radiculopathy
• Small fiber neuropathy
• Spinal muscular atrophy

Tests

• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study
• Genetic testing
• Muscle and skin biopsies 
• Single fiber EMG

Treatments

• Botulinum toxin injections
• Occupational therapy
• Oral and intravenous medications 
• Physical therapy
• Plasmapheresis
• Respiratory therapy
• Speech therapy