Our Doctors/Providers
Kathryn Mosher, MD
Pediatric Physiatrist; Director, Neuromuscular Clinic
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Director, Pediatric Palliative Care; Pediatric Palliative Care Physician; Sarah Elizabeth Friebert, M.D. Leadership Chair in Pediatric Palliative Care
The James F. and Marguerite A. Pearson Endowed Chair in NeuroDevelopmental Sciences for Rare Diseases; Pediatric Neurologist
Pediatric Endocrinologist; Associate Pediatric Residency Program Director; M & M Conference and Residency Teaching Elective
Accepting New Patients
Chair, Department of Orthopedics; Director, Spine Center; Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Medical Director, Pulmonary Function Testing Lab & Ventilator and Respiratory Technology Program; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Accepting New Patients
Clinical Geneticist
Accepting New Patients
All patients seen in the neuromuscular clinic receive multidisciplinary supportive care, which includes assessments of physical and occupational therapy needs, braces, equipment, and nutrition counseling. For some conditions, patients may be followed by lung or heart specialists and receive respiratory therapies or medications for heart function. Orthopedics is also available to address scoliosis and other musculoskeletal deformities. Our social worker and nurse program coordinator work to coordinate between specialists and connect families to financial, educational, and community resources. Our palliative care team is available as well to provide additional support as needed.
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Clinical Trials
Our specialists can help families select and learn more about clinical trials for various neuromuscular conditions, and we incorporate discussion of clinical trial eligibility into our routine care. You can view a current list of active research studies at Akron Children’s.
Families interested in clinical trials can also search at clinicaltrials.gov.
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnosing a neuromuscular disorder can sometimes be challenging. Akron Children’s offers several tests that can be useful in certain circumstances.
Genetic Testing
Our neuromuscular team includes specialists in selecting appropriate genetic testing, obtaining insurance authorization, and analyzing results. We work hard to make sure cost is not a barrier to identifying a neuromuscular condition.
EMG and NCS (electromyogram and nerve conduction studies)
EMG typically involves two components. The first, called nerve conduction studies, involves stimulating nerves through the skin and recording over other parts of the nerve or muscle. The second component involves inserting a tiny pin into several muscles and recording the electrical activity of the muscles. This typically feels like a small pinch or dull ache but is not typically severely painful. Our doctors and technicians are experienced in performing this test in children and aim to make the test as comfortable as possible. We also work with pediatric sedation specialists when needed.
Nerve and Muscle Imaging
Occasionally, imaging tests may be helpful in diagnosing a neuromuscular condition. This may include MRI of the muscles or ultrasound of the muscles and nerves.
Muscle and Nerve Biopsy
In many cases, we can diagnose a neuromuscular condition with genetic testing or other non-invasive diagnostics. However, occasionally a muscle or nerve biopsy may be necessary. Our surgeons and anesthesiologists are skilled in providing safe and compassionate care, and our pathologists and neuromuscular specialists work together to analyze the results.
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, congenital muscular dystrophies, charcot-marie-tooth disease, spinal muscular dystrophy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, pompe disease, spinal muscular atrophy, myasthenia gravis, congenital myasthenic syndromes, hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, HNPP, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, ullrich, bethlem, McArdle's disease, metabolic myopathies, Emery-Dreifuss, congenital myopathy
