Unit of Neuromuscular, Mitochondrial and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

The Neuromuscular, Mitochondrial and Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Unit at Hospital Clínic Barcelona is a multidisciplinary functional unit jointly led by the Neurology and Internal Medicine Departments. It provides care for adults with hereditary and acquired neuromuscular diseases, metabolic and mitochondrial muscle diseases, and autonomic nervous system disorders. Patients are referred from within the hospital, from other centres in Catalonia and the rest of Spain, and from international centres. 

Although each of these diseases is rare, together they account for a considerable volume of clinical activity. They are usually chronic and often progressive, and may affect several organs at the same time, including the muscles, nerves, heart, respiratory function and autonomic nervous system. They therefore require specialised diagnosis and long-term follow-up coordinated by different healthcare professionals. 

The Unit’s activity is organised into seven clinical areas, each with a designated lead clinician. The diagnostic process combines specialist clinical assessment with neurophysiological studies, muscle, nerve and skin biopsies, genetic and molecular testing, imaging techniques and autonomic function tests. Complex cases are discussed at multidisciplinary clinical meetings. The Unit works in coordination with the Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology and Rehabilitation Departments, as well as diagnostic services, and offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. 

Main areas of activity 

• Early and accurate diagnosis through rapid-access pathways to specialists and diagnostic tests. 

• Multidisciplinary care and structured longitudinal follow-up for complex chronic diseases. 

• Common protocols for specialised diagnostic tests, including muscle biopsy, electromyography, and neurophysiological and autonomic studies. 

• Monitoring the safety and efficacy of immunosuppressive, immunomodulatory and other high-impact treatments. 

• Access to innovative therapies through clinical trials. 

• Providing advice and support to other specialists, healthcare centres across the region and primary care teams.