The pediatric Multidisciplinary Neuromuscu
lar Clinic, led by Chamindra Konersman, M.D., coordinates outpatient care for children diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases. These include muscular dystrophies, a diverse group of genetic disorders that cause weakness of muscles throughout the body, and nerve conditions, which cause weakness, pain and difficulty in walking and breathing in some cases.
Housed in the Division of Neurology, the Rady Children’s Hospital pediatric neuromuscular clinic involves multiple specialties, from Rehabilitation Medicine, Pulmonary/Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology and Genetics, to Physical Therapy and Social Work.
Our highly experienced and skilled pediatric team of medical professionals offers state-of-the-art care, using the latest and most advanced treatments. In the case of patients with spinal muscular atrophy, we are using Spinraza (nusinersen) and Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec). Due to severe scoliosis, some of these neuromuscular disease patients have undergone spinal fusion surgery. To provide medicine to these patients in the safest and most effective way, two of our physicians collaborated to develop an innovative delivery device.
We are a designated spinal muscular atrophy Care Center in San Diego by CureSMA. (Rady Children’s has the largest cohort of treated spinal muscular atrophy patients in San Diego.)
Conditions we commonly treat at the pediatric neuromuscular clinic include:
The clinic is held Wednesdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and is supported by the the Muscular Dystrophy Association of San Diego.