Kennedy Krieger Institute opens new center for individuals with muscle disorders

Dec 9 2009

Kennedy Krieger Institute announced today the opening of the new Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders that will improve and expand services to individuals with muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathy in the Baltimore/Washington region and across the nation. The Center provides expert clinical care to children and adults with these disorders, and offers leading research programs both in the clinical and laboratory setting.

Children with genetic muscle disorders face loss of muscle mass and strength, though the rate of progression and symptoms vary according to the type of disease. Individuals with these disorders face a range of challenges, which may include declining quality of life, shortened life expectancies, and heart and breathing conditions. The collective expertise of the Center's staff provides these patients with a succinct and informed diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a unique perspective on how the disease will impact their day-to-day life. As leaders in their fields, staff members are able to work with patients to find practical solutions to the specific problems they are experiencing as well as frequently slow the course of the disease.

"Our new Center serves an important need within the muscle disorders community," said Kathryn R. Wagner, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Center for Genetic Muscle Disorders. "Unlike some facilities that may be unable to serve the adult population, our Center maintains a continuum of care for patients transitioning from childhood to adulthood and we can address all of the issues they may face."

Due to the collaboration between Kennedy Krieger's various programs, patients who visit the Center also have easy access to a variety of clinical services to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic therapy and assistive technology. In addition, the Center is a Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic, giving patients direct access to a wide variety of MDA services such as support groups and equipment loan programs.

Source: Kennedy Krieger Institute