The field of
neuromuscular medicine is subspecialty of
neurology and
physical medicine and rehabilitation. The field includes diseases that impact some part of the neuromuscular system such as the peripheral
nerves (those in arms, legs, face and neck),
muscle motor neurons, and
neuromuscular junction - the spot where nerves and muscles come together. The field encompasses issues related to both diagnosis and medical treatment of these conditions, as well as relevant rehabilitation interventions to optimize the quality of life of individuals with these conditions. This field encompasses disorders that impact both adults and children. Many of the disorders are genetic. They however can also result from an abnormal immune response, a genetic mutation, and sometimes the cause is unknown. Because they frequently have no cure, the focus is on providing improvements in the patients quality of life by reducing symptoms. A formal educational process that includes one year of fellowship training following completion of residency training in
Neurology or
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was approved by the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education]