Akron Children’s Hospital’s Neuromuscular Clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists with expertise in chronic conditions affecting the muscles and nerves. We strive to make complex care simpler for families, with combined specialty visits, combined exams, and the full range of telehealth technology.
We are also a Certified Duchenne Care Center through the Parent Project for Muscular Dystrophy and we are ranked among the best children’s hospitals in the country for pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.
Locations
Contact Neuromuscular Clinic
Akron Children's Hospital Neuromuscular Clinic, Akron
Considine Professional Building
215 West Bowery Street
Level 4
Akron, Ohio 44308
Fax: 330-543-8054
More about this location...
Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Sarah Elizabeth Friebert, MD
Director, Pediatric Palliative Care; Pediatric Palliative Care Physician; Sarah Elizabeth Friebert, M.D. Leadership Chair in Pediatric Palliative Care
Ryan Heksch, MD
Pediatric Endocrinologist; Director, M & M Conference and Residency Teaching Elective
Todd Ritzman, MD, FAAOS, FAOA
Chair, Department of Orthopedics; Director, Spine Center; Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Debbie Toder, MD, FAAP
Medical Director, Pulmonary Function Testing Lab & Ventilator and Respiratory Technology Program; Pediatric Pulmonologist
Taylor Lewis, OT
Occupational Therapist
Gene-based therapies
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. Read more.Helpful Resources
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 Hospital.
Families interested in clinical trials can also search at clinicaltrials.gov.
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnosing a neuromuscular disorder can sometimes be challenging. Akron Children’s Hospital 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.
Some of the Conditions We Treat...
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
Becker muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that gradually makes the body's muscles weaker and smaller. It causes less severe problems than the most common type of MD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Learn more...
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological disorder. It causes muscle weakness and numbness, most commonly in the arms and legs. Learn more...
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. It gradually makes the body's muscles weaker. Learn more...
Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks. Learn more...
Myasthenia gravis (or myasthenia) happens when voluntary muscles get weaker. Treatments can help symptoms. Learn more...
Pompe disease is a rare genetic condition that makes muscles get weaker over time. Learn more...
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. There's no cure, but therapy and other treatments can help most people who have SMA. Learn more...
A teen athlete talks about why he won't let his condition take him out of the game. Learn more...
Steven was diagnosed with SMA when he was 3. Here's a look at his life today and why he says, "When someone tells you you can't do something, don't be afraid to try something new." Learn more...
