Neurology
Neuromuscular Disorders
Our neurologists specialize in the latest tests and treatments for muscle diseases, peripheral nerve diseases, and nerve-muscle signaling diseases such as myasthenia gravis.
Medically reviewed by David Paul Richman, M.D. and Stephano Chang, M.D. on June 17, 2025.
Top in the Nation for Treatment of Neuromuscular Diseases
Specialists at the UC Davis Department of Neurology are nationally renowned for the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases. This means we have a long history of providing the highest quality of care, and you can trust your care to us. We treat all types of neuromuscular disorders in children and adults, helping to improve your quality of life.
We offer you expert care at our Neuromuscular Disease Clinic, as well as our nationally recognized Muscular Dystrophy Association Care Center. We’re also home to one of the country’s largest Myasthenia Gravis Clinics.
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What Are Neuromuscular Disorders?
Neuromuscular disorders affect your nerves, muscles, or the connection that enables your nerves to send signals to your muscles (neuromuscular junction).
Types of neuromuscular conditions include:
- Muscular dystrophy (MD)
- Myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Myopathies and myositis
- Peripheral neuropathy, entrapment neuropathies, and other neuropathies
- Plexus disorders (plexopathies), traumatic injury, and inflammatory disorders, including brachial plexus injury
- Traumatic nerve injuries
- Trigeminal neuralgia and other neuralgias
Neuromuscular Disease Symptoms
Neuromuscular diseases cause different symptoms depending on the specific condition.
Common Symptoms
Signs of neuromuscular disease include:
- Drooping eyelids or facial features
- Limb numbness, tingling, or pain
- Muscle cramps, spasms (spasticity), and pain
- Muscle loss (atrophy) and weakness
- Speech difficulties
- Swallowing problems
Neuromuscular Disorder Causes
Different factors can cause neuromuscular disorders.
Autoimmune Diseases
Some neuromuscular diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, are also autoimmune diseases. They occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and damage.
Gene Changes
Gene changes (mutations) that cause neuromuscular disorders may run in families (inherited) or occur for no known reason (sporadically). Children with muscular dystrophy often inherit a mutated gene.
Health Conditions
Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, metabolic problems, infections, and exposure to toxins can cause neuropathies.
Injuries
Damage to nerves can cause conditions like neuropathies, trigeminal neuralgia, and plexus disorders.
Diagnosis and Testing for Neuromuscular Disorders
We offer the latest diagnostic tests to provide a fast, accurate diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, you may get one or more of these tests:
- Blood tests to check for autoimmune disease markers and elevated enzymes
- Genetic tests to screen for gene changes known to cause certain neuromuscular conditions
- Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to view the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
- Nerve and muscle biopsies to look for changes in muscle tissue and nerves
- Nerve and muscle studies, nerve conduction studies, electromyography studies, and nerve ultrasound are performed at our nationally recognized Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory
Neuromuscular Disease Treatments
As a national leader in neuromuscular conditions, we offer you the latest treatments, as well as access to clinical trials and dedicated clinics for muscular disease, myasthenia gravis and peripheral nerve disorders.
Treatments can ease symptoms and help you enjoy life more. We customize a care plan for your unique diagnosis and symptoms.
Medications
Medications, including corticosteroids and antibody therapies, can ease inflammation and autoimmune responses.
Nerve Decompression
Nerve decompression is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on your nerves.
Peripheral Nerve Repair
With traumatic nerve injury, we can repair a nerve or perform a nerve transfer to restore motor function.
Rehabilitative Services
Our expert neurologists and rehabilitation specialists work closely together to customize physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services for you.
Who does it affect?
14MPeople worldwide have neuromuscular disease.
There are more than
30Different types of muscle disorders.
Source: Neuromuscular Disease Foundation: What Are the Most Common Neuromuscular Diseases?
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Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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