Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a designated MDA Care Center by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At the Northwestern Medicine Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic, we offer comprehensive care to patients with muscular dystrophy.
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic
Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the only Illinois hospital on the national Honor Roll for 13 straight years, and is at the forefront of treatment for neuromuscular diseases. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care and treatment for patients with neuromuscular conditions, while advancing new therapies and uncovering the causes and cures of neurological diseases.
Our MDA Clinic uses a multidisciplinary team approach in which trained specialists provide diagnostic, rehabilitative and supportive services. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is part of a network that provides patients with muscular dystrophy access to a team of experts and a variety of clinical trials, and connects the MDA neuromuscular community. The MDA Clinic also offers mobility assistance support groups, which are available for all diseases treated at the clinic.
To learn more or to make an appointment, call 312.695.7950.
Meet the Team
Our MDA Clinic is staffed by:
- Neurologists
- Pulmonologists
- Nurses
- Advanced practice providers
- An MDA healthcare coordinator
- A dietitian
- A genetic counselor
- Physical, speech and occupational therapists
We also have vendors available for patients’ mobility, respiratory and orthopaedic needs.
Meet the Team
Northwestern Medicine utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach in which trained specialists provide diagnostic, rehabilitative and supportive services. Your care team may include neurologists, pulmonologists, nurses, dietitians, genetic counselors, and physical and occupational therapists.
Meet the Northwestern Medicine Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic Team
What We Offer
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and help prevent atrophy
- Medications, including those available through clinical trials
- Positioning aids to assist with sitting and standing
- Braces and splints to support weak muscles
- Nutritional counseling for weight management
- Psychological counseling to help patients and families cope with physical changes
- Surgery to correct scoliosis or maintain the ability to sit or stand
Diagnostics And Testing
When it comes to neuromuscular disorders, prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial to help achieve a better quality of life. But because symptoms of neuromuscular disorders overlap and mimic those of other diseases, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed. Specialists in the Northwestern Medicine Neuromuscular Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offer the latest diagnostic tools to diagnose neuromuscular diseases.
- Blood Tests
- Electromyogram (EMG)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Muscle Biopsy
- Nerve Biopsy
- Neurological Exam
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)
- Urine Test
- X-ray
Conditions Treated
Specialists in the Northwestern Medicine Neuromuscular Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital offer the latest treatment options for all types of muscular dystrophy.
- Becker
- Congenital
- Distal
- Duchenne
- Emery-Dreifuss
- Facioscapulohumeral
- Limb-girdle
- Myotonic
- Oculopharyngeal
Why Choose Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine is anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the only Illinois hospital on the national Honor Roll for 13 straight years. When options are limited, our experienced team is often able to offer innovative therapies and novel treatments through a wide variety of clinical trials.
Research and Clinical Trials
Northwestern Medicine physician-scientists conduct clinical research trials on all aspects of neuromuscular diseases.