Getting Answers
The MDA recognizes more than 90 muscle diseases, many of which may present during childhood. The symptoms can be confusing and sometimes a diagnosis is difficult to make. Our specialists designate regular clinic time to spend with new patients who are looking for a diagnosis. We can exhaust every resource, including genetic testing, muscle biopsies, nerve conduction studies and electromyography.
What We Treat
We treat myopathies and neuropathies such as:
• Muscular dystrophy
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Polymyositis
• Dejerine-Sottas disease
• Friedreich’s ataxia
• Myasthenia gravis
Coordination of Care
Our program is led by CHOC orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Samuel Rosenfeld and CHOC neurologists Dr. Sharon Kim and Dr. Amanda Fernandez, who are specially skilled in caring for children with muscle conditions. Muscle disease can also lead to other health issues, such as breathing and heart problems. After your child has been diagnosed, we’ll develop a treatment plan and connect you with additional specialists as needed, including:
• Pulmonologists
• Cardiologists
• Gastroenterologists
• Endocrinologists
• Pain specialists
• Geneticists
• Nutritionists
• Physical therapists
• Orthotists
• Psychologists
• Pediatricians
• Occupational therapists
We can also connect you with social services, financial coordinators, equipment for home care and community resources.