<p>Phys 
                  Med Rehabil Clin N Am 1998 Feb;9(1):9-48</p>
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                <td><font size="+1"><b>Clinical approach to the diagnostic evaluation 
                  of progressive neuromuscular diseases.</b></font><br>
                  <br>
                  <b>McDonald CM.</b><br>
                  <br>
                  Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University 
                  of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, USA.<br>
                  <br>
                  This article has reviewed the clinical approach to the diagnostic 
                  evaluation of progressive neuromuscular diseases with an emphasis 
                  on relevant neuromuscular history, family history, clinical 
                  examination findings, laboratory studies, and a brief discussion 
                  of the role of muscle biopsy. Molecular genetic and immunocytochemistry 
                  studies of muscle have been major advances in the diagnostic 
                  evaluation of the neuromuscular disease patient; however, all 
                  diagnostic information must be interpreted within the context 
                  of relevant clinical information. In some instances, a precise 
                  diagnosis is not medically possible; however, the accurate characterization 
                  of an individual patient within the most appropriate NMD clinical 
                  syndrome often allows the clinician to provide the patient and 
                  family with accurate prognostic information and anticipatory 
                  guidance for the future. After synthesizing all available clinical 
                  and diagnostic information, the physiatrist or neurologist may 
                  at times determine that an NMD patient has an inappropriate 
                  diagnosis warranting further diagnostic evaluation. This issue 
                  focuses on the rehabilitation of progressive neuromuscular diseases 
                  with an emphasis on optimization of health, prevention or minimization 
                  of complications, and enhancement of quality of life. Appropriate 
                  rehabilitation approaches require an accurate diagnosis. In 
                  addition, patient quality of life in NMD depends on access to 
                  current and accurate information. The first step in providing 
                  accurate information and appropriate treatment is constantly 
                  ensuring that NMD patients have appropriate diagnoses based 
                  on a through evaluation of clinical information and appropriate 
                  application of current medical science and available diagnostic 
                  technology.<br>
                  <br>
                  Publication Types: 
                  <ul>
                    <li>Review</li>
                    <li>Review, Tutorial</li>
                  </ul>
                  <br>
                  PMID: 9894133 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</td>
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