Muscular dystrophies are a group of more than 30 inherited diseases. They all cause muscle weakness and muscle loss. Some forms of muscular dystrophy appear in infancy or childhood. Others may not appear until middle age or later. The different types can vary by symptoms, by who is affected and by which muscles are affected. All forms of muscular dystrophy grow worse as the person's muscles get weaker. Some people with muscular dystrophy eventually lose the ability to walk.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Treatments can help with symptoms and prevent complications. They include physical and speech therapy, orthopedic devices, surgery and medications. Some people with muscular dystrophy have mild cases that worsen slowly. Other cases are disabling and severe.
Why choose Ohio State for treatment of muscular dystrophy?
Diagnostic Expertise: At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Muscular Dystrophy Clinic, we have nine neurologists board-certified and fellowship-trained in neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophies.
As one of the largest neuromuscular centers in the country, we see all major categories of neuromuscular disease. Our broad range of experience helps ensure that if you have an uncommon or complicated condition, we can provide the answers and the care you need.
Team Approach to Care: Collaborating with our neuromuscular neurologists isa team of professionals dedicated to diagnosing and managing muscular dystrophies. We create a personalized care plan for you, and provide diagnostic tests and treatments within our clinic. Our medical team includes:
- Neurosurgeons
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Pain management specialists
- Physical therapists
- Podiatrists
- Respiratory therapists
- Speech therapists
- Social workers
Access to National Expertise: Because we collaborate closely with muscular dystrophy experts throughout the world, when you come to Ohio State, you have the collective knowledge of a whole network of medical centers supporting you. Our patients benefit from this knowledge of the latest findings in the diagnosis and treatment of muscular dystrophies and our access to the most current and relevant clinical trials.
Research: Ohio State’s commitment to basic science and clinical research backs up our clinical treatments with ever-increasing knowledge of muscular dystrophies. Work in the laboratory translates into more clinical trials for our patients.
