Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Mischer Neuroscience Institute

Neuromuscular Disorders Program

The Neuromuscular Disorders Program, a collaboration between Memorial Hermann and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, specializes in complex neuromuscular disorders that are difficult to diagnose and treat.

These include neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory nerve and muscle disorders; autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorders, traumatic nerve injuries and toxic metabolic disorders of the peripheral nerves and muscles.

Comprehensive diagnostic services in advanced facilities aid in the design of individualized treatment plans for a broad range of neuromuscular disorders.

Ongoing research includes genetic determinants influencing neuromuscular disease recurrence and origin.

Appointments

To make an appointment or request a physician referral call 713-222-CARE.

• Areas of Specialization
• Evaluation and Treatment
• Electromyography Lab
• Rehabilitation
• Patient-Centered Care
• Meet the Team

Areas of Specialization

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Acute, subacute and chronic peripheral polyneuropathies
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Focal entrapment neuropathies
• Isaac’s syndrome
• Metabolic myopathies
• Mitochondrial myopathies
• Muscular dystrophy
• Myasthenia gravis
• Myositis 
• Myotonia
• Plexopathies
• Primary lateral sclerosis

Evaluation and Treatment

Once a diagnosis is made, the program offers advanced treatment options, ranging from immunosuppressive therapies to robotic-assisted thymectomy (removal of the thymus gland).

Therapies are based on individual patient symptoms and focus on helping patients maintain the highest level of function possible. Medical regimens are tailored to patient age, prominent symptoms and the potential side effects profile.

All medical treatment plans are individually constructed based on the stage of illness.

We consult with a range of subspecialties in evaluation and treatment, including hematology, endocrinology, neuropathology, rheumatology, laboratory medicine, pulmonary medicine, neuroradiology, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.

Options include

• Muscle, nerve and skin biopsy
• Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of muscle and nerve
• Lab testing for hereditary and autoimmune disorders
• Advanced oral and intravenous immunosuppressive therapies
• Intravenous gamma globulin
• Plasmapheresis
• Reconstructive surgery for peripheral nerve and brachial plexus injury
• Robotic-assisted thymectomy

Electromyography Lab

The EMG Lab conducts electrical studies of the lower motor neurons, including anterior horn cell, nerve root, plexus, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction and muscles, to aid in understanding and evaluating neuromuscular disorders.

Procedures used to assist in diagnosis include:

• Nerve conduction studies
• Electromyography
• Advanced neurophysiologic studies to detect peripheral neuropathies and nerve entrapment
• Neuromuscular junction testing
• Facial nerve electrophysiology
• Autonomic nervous system testing
• Pudendal studies for fecal incontinence
• c-DNA microarrays

Rehabilitation

We work closely with the physical and occupational therapists at the Memorial Hermann SMART Clinic (Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Therapies), providing rehabilitation options to enhance treatment.

Patient-Centered Care

Our philosophy of patient-centered care includes respect for each patient’s values and needs, integration of care, communication and education, physical comfort, emotional support and the involvement of family and friends.

Neuromuscular Disorders Team

Mazen Dimachkie, M.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director, Neuromuscular Disease Program
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Medicine Residency: St. Agnes Hospital-Baltimore
Neurology Residency: The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Neuromuscular/EMG Fellowship: The University of Texas Medical
School at Houston

Parveen Athar, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Residency: The University of Mississippi, Jackson Mississippi
Fellowship: The University of Mississippi, Jackson Mississippi

Sozos Papasozomenos, M.D.
Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Residency: Kings County Hospital Center/Brooklyn
Fellowship: Case Western Reserve University

Min Wang, MD
Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Residency: University of Kentucky School of Medicine
Fellowship: The Johns Hopkins University

Larry Kramer, MD
Professor of Radiology
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Chief of Radiology
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
Residency; University of Illinois, Chicago
Fellowship: University of Illinois, Chicago