Neuromuscular Clinic

Comprehensive care with collaboration amongst subspecialists is key to optimizing health in patients with nerve and muscle conditions. CHKD's Neuromuscular Clinic is a Muscular Dystrophy Association Care Center and is the only program in Virginia certified by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, which recognizes excellence in the care of patients with muscular dystrophy.

CHKD's Neuromuscular Clinic is directed by Dr. Crystal Proud, who has subspecialty expertise and is board certified in neuromuscular medicine.

Conditions We Treat

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Becker Muscular Dystrophy
• Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
• Congenital Myotonia
• Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)
• Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
• Charcot Marie Tooth Neuropathy
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Chronic Immune Mediated Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
• Congenital Myopathy
• Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
• Hereditary spastic paraparesis
• Friedrich’s Ataxia

Clinical Trials involving CHKD Neurology

Your Appointment: What to Expect

The following assessments may be performed at the clinical visit depending on the needs of the neuromuscular condition being evaluated:

• Measurements and vital signs will be obtained (including weight – a wheelchair scale and hoyer lift scale are available in clinic)
• Respiratory therapist evaluation, including spirometry testing – designed to evaluate the strength of the muscles around the lungs
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician will assess functional abilities and supportive needs
• Physical therapist and occupational therapist may evaluate joints, perform timed testing and conduct standardized motor strength assessments
• Educational liaison and social worker can facilitate navigating school and daily life with particular needs
• Nutritional challenges will be addressed by our dietitian
• Because many nerve and muscle conditions are the result of DNA changes, our genetic counselor will meet to discuss the need for genetic testing and/or the results of prior testing
• Dr. Proud will conclude the visit by reviewing the above assessments, performing a neuromuscular examination, and discussing the recommended plan of care

Following Your Visit

You may be referred for the following services, available at CHKD:

• Wheelchair/adaptive seating/carseat clinic
• Splint clinic
• Augmentative communication clinic
• Physical therapy (land and aquatics)
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

Tests may include:

• Nerve conduction studies (NCS)/Electromyography (EMG)
• Bone density test
• X-rays to evaluate spine, hips, joints
• Swallow study
• Sleep study
• DNA testing performed via saliva or blood testing
• Laboratory tests

Our Many Services

Many of our neuromuscular patients require routine care with other subspecialties and our clinic will be able to facilitate consultations within CHKD including cardiology, pulmonology, sleep medicine, orthopedics/bone health, neuropsychology, neurodevelopmental neurology and pain/palliative medicine.

Request An Appointment

• General Neurology: (757) 668-9920
• Tanicia Johnson, clinical nurse: (757) 668-9979
• Erika Paradiso, nurse coordinator: (757) 668-7732