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Neuromuscular Program
At the Pediatric Neuromuscular Program, our team specializes in diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the peripheral nerves and muscles, as well as research to improve care and seek cures. These conditions include the muscular dystrophies, a group of about 40 inherited disorders that cause the muscles to weaken and degenerate over time, and genetic disorders of the peripheral nerves, known collectively as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy has named our clinic a certified Duchenne care center, a designation recognizing comprehensive high-quality care for Duchenne, the most common type of muscular dystrophy.
UCSF's program, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, offers pediatric patients and their families access to doctors, nurses and therapists who specialize in treating children. Our team includes specialists in pediatric neuromuscular care, orthopedic surgery, pulmonology, cardiology, orthotics, respiratory medicine, and physical and occupational therapy. Together, we address all aspects of your child's care in one place.
Although there is no cure for these neuromuscular diseases, new therapies are available to better manage the conditions and their complications. We work to develop an individualized treatment plan for each child that will maximize mobility, comfort and quality of life. Treatments may include physical therapy, orthopedic surgery and medications, as well as orthotics or other devices to support movement and stability.
In addition, we offer the most advanced diagnostic tests, such electromyography and nerve conduction velocity tests, which help us assess muscle and nerve health. Our patients and their families also benefit from genetic testing and counseling, which can help diagnose neuromuscular conditions and indicate whether someone carries a gene that causes a particular disorder.
A muscular dystrophy fund is available for some families with limited means and for those who don’t have insurance that covers their children's health care. For more information, please speak with someone at the clinic.
Our locations (2)
Our team
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Jonathan Strober
MD
Pediatric neurologist and neuromuscular specialist -
Gwynne D. Church
MD
Pediatric pulmonologist and sleep disorders specialist -
Mohammad Diab
MD
Pediatric orthopedic surgeon -
Alex Fay
MD, PhD
Pediatric neurologist and neuromuscular specialist -
Walter E. B. Sipe
MD
Pediatrician -
Scott J. Soifer
MD
Pediatric cardiologist -
Desiree Dieste
MSW, MPH
Pediatric social worker -
Sherina Fong
PT
Physical therapist -
Audrey Glancy
RN, BSN
Nurse -
Matthew Gene Hurricane Hall
MS
Genetic counselor -
Maura Howe
PNP, MSN, MPH
Pediatric nurse practitioner -
Minh Huynh
-
Natalie Lundgren
MS, MPH
Occupational therapist -
Phyllis Moore
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
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One of the nation's best in neurology & neurosurgery
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in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your child's condition
- List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
Support services
Feeling at home
From bedside bingo to therapy dogs, we're here to help kids smile and feel more like themselves.
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