Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout David Polston
Biography
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.
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Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic, 2005
- Fellowship: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, 2004
- Residency: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, 2003
- Internship: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, 2000
- Medical Education: University of Louisville School of Medicine, 1999
- Undergraduate: Western Kentucky University, 1995
Board Certifications
- Neuromuscular Medicine: American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, 2008
- Clinical Neurophysiology: American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, 2007
- Neurology: American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, 2004
Professional Memberships
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (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 collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2025-07-31, Dr. Polston has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing.
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.
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.
Insurances Accepted
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
104 ratings, 19 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Polston has always provided the best advice. I trust him completely. He always has my welfare as very important.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Dr. Polston's staff were extremely helpful and courteous. Dr. Polston is absolutely outstanding. He exemplifies everything that is great about the Cleveland Clinic experience. He takes his time to explain complicated medical issues in a way that lay people can understand. He has a brilliant mind and a compassionate demeanor. He is interested in the whole person and not just a specific condition. When we were finished with the appointment, I felt that every question and concern had been addressed, and I feel like I have a very good health plan going forward. Thank you Dr. Polston!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/10/2025
Dr Polston is absolutely stellar. Very knowledgeable and explained the available options to address my Issues. He stayed In his wheelhouse of knowledge and didn't speculate on available treatment options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/10/2025
Dr Polston.takes the time to address every one of my questions thoroughly and thoughtfully even my fears about the impact it is having on my day-to-day life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/24/2025
Dr. Polston went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. His bedside manner was wonderful. He answered all of my questions and gave me the necessary tools to help with my diagnosis.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
It's always a good experience. The technology always seems to work, and Dr. Polston always takes the time to talk with me and answer my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/6/2025
Thank u Dr Polston!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr Polston was very friendly and really listened to me. Wasn't rushed at all and spent a lot time going over results and explanations relayed was very easy to understand. I really appreciated the time he spent with me!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Dr. Polston listened to me as I explained the events of the past year while I elaborated on the past two months. The events were stressful and Dr. Polston was great in offering coping suggestions. He also listed and understood my desire to begin another attempt at taking a medication that might prove to strengthen my eye muscle weakness.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2025
Dr. Polston listened to every word I spoke and addressed everyone of them. He took more time for my than appointment was supposed to be. He is a very caring and amazing doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr Polston is always professional, and I always feel comfortable with his decisions about my health.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
I am so thankful for Dr Polston. He is always so caring. He always answers all my questions and concerns with knowledge and empathy. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful Dr.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Dr Polston is a very thorough, kind medical professional, nice to work with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
This Dr explained everything, addressed all my questions, did not rush, was kind n understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Everyone in Dr Polston's including the doctor always gives you 200%. They are the best!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Dr. Polston excelled in each of these areas.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/23/2025
Dr Polston is God sent! Truly blessed for him to care for me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/4/2025
Dr Polston answered our questions with great clarity and put us at ease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2025
Dr. Polston is amazing! I drive 3.5 hours to see him because he is the best! He is caring, compassionate, and he will do whatever it takes to make sure I get the best care.