MDA supports 230 hospital-affiliated clinics, most in or near major medical centers, and all can provide you with referrals to any of the health care team members described below. It's up to you to make sure they don't. You'll encounter a variety of doctors in your journey through the health care system. Here are some of them. Neurologists Most MDA clinics are directed by neurologists, physicians who specialize in the nervous system and the muscles.
Neurologists are interested in the diagnosis and progression of neuromuscular diseases.
They also prescribe drugs to treat the symptoms or, when possible, the underlying cause of a neuromuscular disorder. They may have experience with other interventions for these disorders, such as surgery, equipment or exercise, but usually these areas aren't their specialty. A few MDA clinics are headed by physiatrists. They usually work with other professionals, such as physical and respiratory therapists. For this reason, you may find yourself consulting with a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart problems.