The Neuromuscular Clinic at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, sponsored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and research of disorders affecting the peripheral nerves and muscle. This includes the muscular dystrophies, a group of about 40 inherited disorders that cause the muscles to weaken and degenerate over time; genetic disorders of the peripheral nerves, known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth; and spinal muscular atrophy. The center is the only one of its kind in San Francisco that was created specifically for children.
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, pulmonologist, cardiologist, orthotics specialist and respiratory, 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.
The Muscular Dystrophy Clinic is part of the UCSF Pediatric Brain Center, which brings together doctors from all disciplines related to brain health in children. We are passionate about collaborating with each other, our patients and their families to provide the best possible care for each child.
Our experts are world-class pediatric specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neurocritical care, neurogenetics, neuro-oncology, rehabilitation, neuroradiology, neuropsychology and psychiatry. By working as a team we are able to reach the right diagnosis and treatment quickly, getting our patients on the road to recovery and bringing peace of mind to parents.
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) 353-3653
Fax: (415) 353-2400
Hours: Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – noon
Public parking for an hourly fee at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is available in the seven-level Millberry Union Garage at 500 Parnassus Ave. There are two garage entrances — one on the north side of Parnassus Avenue and another on Irving Street, just east of Third Avenue.
Another garage with an hourly fee, at 350 Parnassus Ave., is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Metered street parking is rarely available.
Patients being admitted to the hospital may be dropped off at the circular driveway leading to the main entrance at 505 Parnassus Ave. This area also may be used to pick up patients who are being discharged.
For more information about parking at Parnassus, call Campus Parking Services at 476-2566.
Valet parking service is available at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) at 400 Parnassus Ave. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The valet service is free but patients must pay regular parking fees. For more information about the valet service, call (415) 476-6200.
A UCSF "greeter" also is available at the ACC from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist patients find their way.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is accessible via Muni streetcar line N-Judah*, which stops at Second Avenue and Irving Street, and the following Muni bus lines, which stop in front of the hospital:
For more information about Muni visit, www.sfmuni.com.
* Wheelchair accessible bus routes
