The Neuromuscular Service is involved in a number of clinical and research activities.  Patients with a variety of neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, peripheral neuropathies, and inflammatory myopathies are evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team of health care providers in the Aston Neurology Clinic.  The clinics are partially sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation and recognized by the Neuropathy Association.  At the Aston Center, in addition to five neuromuscular neurologists, patients may also be evaluated by physical therapy, speech pathology, respiratory therapy, a psychologist, a dietitian, and a social worker.  New patients undergo a variety of neurodiagnostic tests in order to come to the correct diagnosis.  While some of the neuromuscular disorders that are seen still do not have specific therapy, a number of these diseases can be treated, often with a variety of immunosuppressive medications.  The Neurology Department runs an IVIG infusion outpatient program and plasma exchange service for patients with immune-mediated disorders.

The Southwestern Neuromuscular Service also provides routine and advanced diagnostic services including nerve conduction studies, routine and single fiber electromyography, quantitative sensory testing (QST), evoked potentials and quantitative autonomic testing (ARS).

Pediatric neuromuscular patients are evaluated at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.  Patients with unusual metabolic myopathies are evaluated at the Neuromuscular Center in the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Presbyterian Hospital.  The Neuromuscular Service is involved in a number of research and therapy studies, including treatment and pathophysiological studies for ALS, peripheral neuropathies, myotonic disorders and others.  Studies on pain management for neuropathy are also available.

In the field of autoimmune disorders, recent studies investigated the use of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) for chronic Guillain Barré Syndrome, also known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and myasthenia gravis.  A large, international study to assess the role of thymectomy in myasthenia gravis is underway.