David Polston, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.5559
- Desk:
- 216.444.5551
- Fax:
- 216.445.1563
Treatment & Services
- Autonomic Nervous System Testing
- Autonomic Reflex Test
- Electromyography
- Nerve Conduction Studies
- Nerve Pathology
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Autoimmune Neuropathy
- Autoimmune Polyneuropathy
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)
- Demyelinating Neuropathies
- Dermatomyositis
- Fabry's Disease
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
- Inflammatory Neuropathy
- Inflammatory Polyneuropathy
- Inherited Neuropathies
- Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Myopathy
- Neuromuscular Disease
- Neuropathy
- Neuropathy - Diabetic
- Polymyositis
- Pompe's Disease
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout David Polston, MD
David W. Polston, MD, is a staff physician in the Neuromuscular Center at Cleveland Clinic's Neurological Institute. Dr. Polston earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville in 1999 and then completed his internship and neurology residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. This was followed by a one-year fellowship in peripheral nerve disease at Mayo Clinic and a one-year fellowship in clinical neurophysiology and neuromuscular disorders at Cleveland Clinic. He joined the Cleveland Clinic staff in 2005. He is board-certified in neurology, neuromuscular medicine and clinical neurophysiology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, in electrodiagnostic medicine by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and in nerve pathology by the American Academy of Neurology Committee on Neuromuscular Pathology.
A neuromuscular specialist, Dr. Polston's areas of clinical expertise include inherited and acquired demyelinating neuropathies, nerve pathology, and performing electromyography and nerve conduction studies. His academic interests include the natural history of inherited and acquired demyelinating neuropathies, and resident and fellow education. He is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
Education & Professional Highlights
Appointed
2005
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Clinical Neurophysiology
Cleveland,
OH USA
2005
Fellowship - Mayo Graduate School of Medicine
Peripheral nerve-Neuromuscular Diseases
Rochester,
MN USA
2004
Residency - Mayo Graduate School of Medicine
Neurology
Rochester,
MN USA
2003
Internship - Mayo Graduate School of Medicine
Internal Medicine
Rochester,
MN USA
2000
Medical Education - University of Louisville School of Medicine
Louisville,
KY USA
1999
Undergraduate - Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green,
KY USA
1995
Certifications
- Psychiatry and Neurology - Neurology
- Psychiatry and Neurology - Clinical Neurophysiology
- Psychiatry and Neurology - Neuromuscular Medicine
- Clinical Neurophysiology - Neuromuscular Medicine
Specialty Interests
Electromyography and nerve conduction studies, inherited and demyelinating neuropathies, myasthenia gravis, nerve pathology, neuromuscular diseases, autonomic disorders, autonomic nervous system diseases and testing
Research & Publications
See publications for David Polston, MD.
(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)
Industry Relationships
Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.
To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.
As of 7/31/2023, Dr. Polston has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.
Donation of Financial Interest. Dr. Polston has consulted for, received compensation for serving as a fiduciary from, or received royalties from the following companies but instructed them to donate all compensation to not-for-profit causes or to the Cleveland Clinic to support research and education:
- American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.
* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.
129 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.
| Overall | Star Ratings | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.8 | |
| Listens | 5 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.8 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.8 |
30 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Aug 15, 2023
Excellent caring and very knowledgeable doctor
Reviewed on Aug 8, 2023
Dr Polston listens and cares about my situation. He is knowledgeable and I trust his advice.
Reviewed on Aug 1, 2023
Dr. Polson was the first neurologist I have found who had experience with my very unique condition. He was thorough in reviewing my previous test results and explaining the path to recovery. I had many questions and he was patient to answer them all. I did not feel rushed and felt like he genuinely cared for me and wanted to see my condition improve. I would highly recommend him for any neuromuscular condition.
Reviewed on Jul 31, 2023
Dr. Polston and his entire staff are always professional, courteous and very kind. I appreciate them all.
Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
Very informative on my condition had seen 5 other Dr. That did not explain to this extent!
Reviewed on Jun 22, 2023
Dr Polston was EXHALENTOne of my best experience with the CCF
Reviewed on Jun 20, 2023
Not much can be done for my condition-. Thanks to Dr. Polston my life has been extended by years. Time spent with my family. The opportunity to meet and enjoy my two grandchildren. THANK YOU DR. POLSTON AND THE FIRST-CLASS TEAM AT CLEVELAND CLINIC!!!
Reviewed on Jun 12, 2023
No bad experience, Dr. David Polston was very thorough. We were at the clinic all day. Including a test in the afternoon. Dr. Polston review what I should be doing in the future. My diagnosis does not present any medicinal help.
Reviewed on Jun 5, 2023
Dr. Polston was very understanding and listened to my concerns.
Reviewed on May 30, 2023
Dr Polston is absolutely GREAT!!! He has helped me so much and in more ways than I think he even realizes. He is very educated and stays up to date with current study's etc.
Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023
Dr. Polston is amazing! Eight years ago he changed my life when he realized I had been misdiagnosed. He is kind, compassionate, and very knowledgeable about my rare condition. I drive up from Dayton because I don't want to see anyone else. He is a blessing to me and I am so thankful that he is my doctor.
Reviewed on Apr 6, 2023
Dr Polston always takes the time to listen to my concerns and to make sure all my questions are answered. I am very pleased with my experience.
Reviewed on Apr 4, 2023
Answering that the message was received and would be forwarded to the doctor is prompt.. But the wait to get a response from the doctor is delayed.
Reviewed on Mar 31, 2023
Dr. Polston is friendly, informative, and really listens.
Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023
I have been seeing Dr. Polston for 5 years. I drive 2 and half hours to see this great neurologist.
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2023
Exceptionally good experience with Dr. Polston. He took the time required to understand my history and current condition.
Reviewed on Mar 17, 2023
Dr. Polston has not only been so very compassionate but has always taken the time with my mom and showed how much her truly cared about what she was going through. His level of care was exceptional.
Reviewed on Feb 10, 2023
Dr polston is awesome. He listened
Reviewed on Jan 30, 2023
Yes I would recommend him to anyone needing his expertise.
Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023
Dr seemed very concerned of my health very good Dr
Reviewed on Dec 20, 2022
Dr. Polston was very thorough, courteous and listened to me very well. He took his time with me even though he was squeezing my appointment in after the kiosk failed to check me in and I missed my allotted time. He was friendly and easy to talk to as well.
Reviewed on Dec 2, 2022
The doctor was very thorough and honest and he ordered tests that will hopefully, evaluate the situation more clearly. His diagnosis was difficult to accept.
Reviewed on Nov 28, 2022
I appreciate that Dr. Polston took the time to carefully review my chart and make sure that my medications were up to date and that anything he prescribed doesn't have interactions.
Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022
I was very impressed with everything at Cleveland Clinic - Respect - Promptness - Thoroughness . I would recommend them to anyone. There care has been wonderful - And I really liked *Dr. Polston - Very caring & all questions were very important to him as well liked his aggressiveness on my MC.
Reviewed on Nov 7, 2022
Dr. Polston listened to my concerns and did his best to offer testing and treatment options, and had good bedside manner. However, my case is very complex, and what I really needed was for a specialist at a world-renowned medical clinic to thoroughly review my case and all of my widely varying symptoms and try to come up with anything I haven't already tried. I am hoping that after some testing, he can revisit my case and offer more in-depth analysis of my condition.
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2022
I know it might sound cliche at this point when I refer to the doctors on my care team with superlatives but Dr Polston really is the best!!!!
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2022
Dr Paulson is one of the best physicians I have ever had. His thoughtfulness, attention to me and to detail are exemplary.
Reviewed on Oct 10, 2022
Dr. Polston gave me the best doctor's visit I have ever had. He was very careful to make sure he understood everything about my condition and carefully explained small fiber nerve neuropathy to me. He made sure I understood the skin biopsy I would get later in the day and what the results would mean. He was incredibly conscientious and caring.
Reviewed on Sep 27, 2022
Dr Polston is a rare doctor who actually listens and takes time with his patients.
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2022
This was one of my best ever experiences with a doctor. Dr. Polston was amazingly knowledgeable, really listened to me and tested for my concerns, took time to explain everything and answer my questions. The care he showed was also authentic and he seemed like a really good person in general (highly relatable). What a perfect blend of everything a patient would want.