Duke offers advanced care for neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, myositis, and others. Duke is a national referral center for people with complex neuromuscular cases. This is because our neuromuscular specialists -- neurologists who have advanced training in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders -- offer individualized, comprehensive treatments to improve your daily life.
We treat problems related to nerves, muscles, and where they connect (called the neuromuscular junction), including:
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Consultation
During your first visit, we will take time to understand your medical history, including any previous evaluations and treatments. We will also discuss your symptoms and administer a physical exam and neurologic exam to evaluate your cranial nerves, strength, senses, reflexes, coordination, and walking.
Electrodiagnostic Studies
You may undergo electrodiagnostic testing that includes electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), either on the day of your consultation or later. These tests measure nerve and muscle function.
Duke also offers single-fiber EMG, a more specialized test for myasthenia gravis, as well as neuromuscular ultrasound procedures to capture images of nerves and muscles. These tests are performed at dedicated EMG laboratories at Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital. Both EMG labs are accredited with exemplary status by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. This accreditation recognizes our high-quality care and commitment to patient safety.
Tissue Biopsy
Some people may benefit from a biopsy. Using a needle, a small sample of skin, muscle, or nerve tissue is removed and sent to pathologists, who examine the sample under a microscope to identify abnormalities.
Our doctors are leaders in neuromuscular research, which means you may have access to new treatments like gene therapy before they’re widely available. Not only will you benefit from best practices and advanced therapies, but you can also help the next generation work toward a cure.
Excellence in Neuromuscular Care
Our team of specialists and our comprehensive treatment options for neuromuscular disorders have helped us earn a number of important designations and accreditations:
We Advocate for You and Prioritize Convenience
A dedicated nurse supports you and your family by communicating with insurance companies to secure medication approvals, arranging for hospital admission, and more. We also have specific schedulers for EMG and nerve conduction testing who work to coordinate these tests with your consultation visit.
Advanced Training
Our fellowship-trained and board-certified neuromuscular specialists have completed specialized training to diagnose and manage neuromuscular disorders and perform EMG and nerve conduction testing.
Expert Collaboration
Our collaborative clinics for myositis, ALS, amyloidosis, and muscular dystrophy bring together a range of specialists from neurology, pulmonology, rheumatology, cardiology, and more to consolidate your care. This team approach is more thorough and saves you time. We also work with providers who offer physical, occupational, swallow, speech, and respiratory therapies to address all the ways a neuromuscular disorder might affect you.
Virtual Video Visits Available
If needed, virtual follow-up visits are an option for people who live in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our neurology and neurosurgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026.