What are the referral criteria for a child suspected of having muscular dystrophy to a specialist neuromuscular clinic?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 17 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Referral to a specialist in paediatric neurology, which includes neuromuscular clinics, should be considered for a child suspected of having muscular dystrophy based on several criteria.

  • Key indicators for referral include:
    • Progressive limb weakness warrants urgent neurological assessment .
    • Motor development regression should prompt referral to a paediatric neurodevelopmental service or paediatric neurology, depending on locally agreed pathways .
    • For boys with limb weakness, motor development delay, or motor development regression, it is important to consider measuring the creatinine kinase (CK) level to help exclude Duchenne muscular dystrophy before a specialist review .
  • Additionally, certain "red flags" for neurological disorders other than cerebral palsy should lead to referral to a specialist in paediatric neurology:
    • A family history of a progressive neurological disorder .
    • Loss of already attained cognitive or developmental abilities .
    • Development of unexpected focal neurological signs .
    • MRI findings suggestive of a progressive neurological disorder .

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