Adult Muscular Dystrophy (MDA) Program

Adult Muscular Dystrophy (MDA) Program

  • About
  • Approach
  • Services
  • Appointments
  • Resources
  • Doctors

    • The Adult Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) program at U-M Health is a multi-disciplinary program with a focus on the diagnosis and evaluation of adult patients with known or suspected neuromuscular disorders. Our program is supported by the MDA, and we are a designated MDA Care Center. Our clinicians are trained in the diagnosis and management of neuromuscular diseases.

    Our Approach

    We work with the MDA with a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve our mutual goal of improving the lives of people with neuromuscular disorders. Some patients are interested in research opportunities, and we will partner with the MDA to facilitate opportunities.

    Our expert healthcare team includes a neuromuscular specialist and physiatrist, nurses and social workers. We collaborate closely with cardiology, pulmonary, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, wheelchair seating and orthotics

    Services

    Conditions we treat

    • Muscular Dystrophy 
      • Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 
      • Becker & Duchenne muscular dystrophy
      • Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
      • Fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 
      • Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
      • Myotonic dystrophy
    • Inherited Myopathies (congenital, metabolic or mitochondrial myopathies)
    • Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
    • Inflammatory Muscle Diseases 
      • Polymyositis 
      • Dermatomyositis 
      • Inclusion body myositis

    Treatments

    • Genetic testing
    • Neuro diagnostic testing
    • Custom orthotics
    • Wheelchair seating

    Appointment Information

    Appointments range from 1 to 2 hours for new patients and approximately an hour for established patients. We will attempt to schedule same day visits for multiple symptomatic family members (if desired) though each individual requires a referral to the clinic to facilitate scheduling.

    To make an appointment, call 734-936-9006.

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Gary W Gallagher, MD

    Gary W Gallagher, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Neurology, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine

    Mary Megan Schmidt, DO

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Electrodiagnostic Medicine

    News & Stories
    black background with long bendy purple nerve with different pain points in red throughout
    Health Lab

    Study reveals the dual role for a protein critical for healing nerve damage

    A recent University of Michigan study in mice finds a specific protein inside of the nerves, called Sarm1, appears to be essential for nerve regeneration.
         brain drawn
    Health Lab

    ALS survival may be cut short by living in disadvantaged communities 

    Living in a disadvantaged community may decrease the length of time a person can survive with ALS by over 30%, a Michigan Medicine-led study finds.
         blood vial
    Health Lab

    ALS diagnosis and survival linked to metals in blood, urine

    People with higher levels of metals found in their blood and urine may be more likely to be diagnosed with — and die from — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a University of Michigan-led study suggests.
         Pink head brain maze
    Health Lab

    The malfunction of an undamaged brain

    People with these two functional neurologic disorders often go misdiagnosed
    Health Lab

    Fighting back against Parkinson's disease

    The program, held at TITLE Boxing Club in Ann Arbor, is an affiliate of Rock Steady Boxing, a national nonprofit organization. Boxing helps patients with dopamine regulation, strength, stamina and camaraderie.
         brain drawing
    Health Lab

    Life stressors may contribute to multiple sclerosis flares, disability

    Life stressors can contribute to multiple sclerosis flares and disability. Learn about the research on how stress can impact MS, and how to manage stress to improve your health.