General

Therapists’ Role in Early Identification of Weakness and Neuromuscular Disorders

Saturday, November 10
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Ballroom E/F/G - Convention Center

Neuromuscular disorders include a wide-range of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system, including disorders of the motor neuron, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. Force production deficit (i.e., muscle weakness) is a primary sign of peripheral neuromuscular disorders. Therapists are in an optimal position to identify force production deficits and facilitate referral for diagnostic evaluation. Early diagnosis of neuromuscular disease has become increasingly important in recent years with availability of newly approved medical interventions and increased opportunities for participation in clinical research trials.
This session will include a description of peripheral neuromuscular disorders that present across multiple settings in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. An introduction to a motor delay algorithm recommended by the National Task Force for Early Identification of Childhood Neuromuscular Disorders will provide a framework for clinical reasoning, screening, and referral for medical evaluation. An explanation of the medical diagnostic process for suspected neuromuscular disorders will assist participants in understanding the assessment process that occurs following referral for medical evaluation. The session will also explore common clinical presentations for neuromuscular diseases and include a discussion of physical therapy findings that might point to a peripheral neuromuscular disorder.


 

Learning Objectives:

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Shelley Mockler, PT, DSc, PCS, ATP

Clinical Specialist
Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital

Shelley Mockler, PT, MPT, DSc is a Clinical Specialist at the Center for Disabilities and Development, part of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Shelley is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Iowa and her Doctor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. As a physical therapist in the University of Iowa's Neuromuscular Program, Shelley has worked with children, teens, and adults with muscle disorders for over 17 years. Shelley is actively engaged in research in neuromuscular disorders.

Presentation(s):

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Katherine Mathews, MD

Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology; Director, Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital

Dr. Mathews is a Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the University of Iowa. She runs a multidisciplinary clinical service and has been director of the MDA clinic at the University of Iowa for the past 20 years. She directs the clinical project at the University of Iowa’s Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center and speaks about muscular dystrophy internationally. Dr. Mockler is a physical therapist at the Center for Disabilities and Development. Shelley is part of the multidisciplinary pediatric neuromuscular team and has over 16 years of experience working with children and adults with progressive neuromuscular conditions.

Presentation(s):

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