Neuromuscular Diseases

Tania Gendron, Ph.D. in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic focusing on neuromuscular disease research.

The Neuromuscular Disease Group includes neurologists with a reputation for excellence in the study and management of neuromuscular disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophy and myasthenia gravis. The neuromuscular practice in the Department of Neurology includes members with specialized expertise in the following areas:

  • Neurophysiology of neuromuscular disorders
  • Inherited and acquired neuromuscular diseases
  • Genetics of congenital myopathies, neuromuscular junction diseases and adult-onset neuropathies
  • Muscle physiology and pathology
  • Nerve physiology and pathology

Researchers in the Department of Neurology's Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Subspecialty Group are investigating several possible causes of ALS, including gene mutation, chemical imbalance, disorganized immune response and mishandled proteins within the nerve cells.

Our pioneering work in peripheral neuropathies, myasthenia gravis and myopathies distinguished the mechanisms of these diseases from those of related neurological autoimmune disorders and generated many of the specialized diagnostic tests and clinical tools to manage it. Today, investigators continue to make breakthrough discoveries in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases. The depth and breadth of Mayo Clinic's specialization in practice, expertise and resources enable development of new treatments for neuromuscular disease.

Collaborative research

Research in frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and ALS in the Discovery and Translation Labs at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida is focused on the causal genes and genetic risk factors of early-onset dementias and related disorders, such as ALS, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with these diseases. The Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center enables comprehensive patient evaluation and treatment based on rehabilitation medicine research for people with neurodegenerative disorders.

Faculty members collaborating on basic and clinical research related to neuromuscular diseases and peripheral nerve disorders include: