General Information About Neuromuscular Diseases
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the general name for disorders in which the nerves carrying movement commands from the brain or spinal cord to the muscles, or the muscle fibers themselves, are structurally impaired.
Diseases that affect muscle strength and nerve conduction, such as ALS (Motor Neuron Disease), Muscular Dystrophies (DMD), Myasthenia Gravis, SMA, and Polyneuropathy, fall into this group.
Progressive loss of strength in the arms and legs, muscle wasting (atrophy), muscle twitching (fasciculation), walking difficulties, loss of balance, numbness, and a pins-and-needles sensation.
A large portion is due to genetic mutations (hereditary transmission). However, autoimmune reactions, severe infections, vitamin deficiencies, and diabetes can also damage the neuromuscular junction.
Following a neurological examination, the source of the damage is definitively determined by measuring the electrical conduction speed of the nerves and the electrical activity of the muscles with the ENMG (Electroneuromyography) test.
There is no complete cure for those of genetic origin, but special medications that slow down muscle breakdown are given. Autoimmune-related ones can be improved with immunosuppressive treatments. The most important and common treatment in all of them is lifelong Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
