Neuromuscular diseases
Neuromuscular diseases
Neuromuscular diseases (/ˌnʊəroʊˈmʌskjʊlər/; from Greek νεῦρον, neuron, "nerve" + Latin musculus, "muscle" + Greek πάθος, pathos, "suffering") are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration and weakness of muscles. These diseases can affect either the peripheral nervous system (which includes the motor neurons, nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to muscles) or the muscular system itself.
Types of Neuromuscular diseases
There are many different types of neuromuscular diseases, including:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
- Muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
- Myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.
- Peripheral neuropathy, which results from damage to the peripheral nerves.
- Spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder characterized by weakness and wasting (atrophy) in muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles).
Symptoms
Symptoms of neuromuscular diseases can vary widely, depending on the specific disease and its severity. Common symptoms may include muscle weakness, muscle wasting, muscle pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and decreased mobility.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and genetic testing.
Treatment
Treatment for neuromuscular diseases depends on the specific disease and its severity. It may include physical therapy, medication, surgery, and supportive care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
See also
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