The Muscular Dystrophy Clinic at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and research of muscular dystrophy (MD) — a group of about 30 inherited disorders that cause the muscles to weaken and degenerate over time — and other neuromuscular disorders. The center, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, is the only one of its kind in San Francisco.
We offer children and their families access to doctors, nurses and therapists who specialize in treating children. Our team includes a pediatric neuromuscular specialist, orthopedic surgeon, respiratory specialist, genetics counselor, orthotics specialist and physical and occupational therapists, who address all aspects of your child's care in one place.
Although there is no cure for these neuromuscular diseases, there are new therapies to help manage the conditions and their complications. We work with children and their families to develop individualized treatment to improve mobility, comfort and quality of life. Treatments may include physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, medications and orthoses, or devices to support movement and stability.
We also offer the most advanced tests for diagnosis, such as electromyography (EMG). Our patients and their families can benefit from genetic testing and counseling, which can help diagnose neuromuscular conditions and confirm if a person is a carrier of the gene that causes the disorder. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes that prevents them from making the proteins needed for healthy muscles.
A Muscular Dystrophy Fund is available for families with limited funds or for those who do not have insurance coverage for their children's health care. This fund is allocated on a needs basis. For more information, please ask the clinic receptionist.
Please call the number below for information about making an appointment.
Pediatric Muscular Dystrophy
400 Parnassus Ave., Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
First visit: (415) 353-3682
Follow up: (415) 353-8395
Fax: (415) 353-2400
Hours: Wednesday, except for the second Wednesday of the month
8 a.m. – noon
Last updated July 14, 2010
