Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders are conditions that affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles and the muscles themselves. These disorders can cause weakness, numbness, cramping, twitching, or other symptoms that affect movement and muscle control. Some examples of neuromuscular disorders include: 

• Multiple sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness, fatigue, and difficulty with coordination and balance. 
• Muscular dystrophy: A group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, leading to loss of mobility and difficulty with everyday activities. 
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and eventually paralysis. 
• Myasthenia gravis: An autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness and fatigue, particularly in the face, neck, and limbs. 
• Guillain-Barre syndrome: A rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness in the arms and legs. 

Treatment for neuromuscular disorders varies depending on the specific condition and symptoms, and may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or surgery. 

A wide range of diseases that affect the peripheral nervous system are classified as Neuromuscular disorders. These disorders can cause problems with the following:  

•  The nerves that control your muscles  
•  The muscles themselves  
•  Communication between your nerves and muscles  

Neuromuscular disorders cause your muscles to become weak and waste away.  

Common neuromuscular disorders include:  

•      Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis  
•      Muscular dystrophy  
•      Myasthenia gravis  
•      Spinal muscular atrophy 

 The peripheral nervous system (PNS) allows nerve signals to be transmitted throughout the body. The same way power lines connect power plants to buildings.  

 

There are two types of nervous systems in our body.  

• Central Nervous System (CNS) composed of the brain and spinal cord  

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)  comprises the sensory and motor nerves. The PNS connects the CNS to our organs, limbs, and skin. It allows the brain and spinal cord to send and receive information from other areas of the body. The PNS also carries sensory information to the CNS (feeling pain if you touch fire). The system is always responsible for involuntary body functions, like heartbeat and breathing.  

 

Diseases that affect the neuromuscular system are classified into four main groups.  

•  Neuropathies  
•  Neuromuscular Junction Disorders  
•  Myopathies, including muscular dystrophies  
•  Diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders  

 

Lifestyle Medical supplies that can help with Neuromuscular Disease  

•     Canes  
•     Walkers  
•     Wheelchairs  
•     Scooters  
•     Orthotic devices such as ankle-foot orthosis