Ian Purcell MD PhD Monali Patel MD Otoneurology Call 858 223 2172
Educational Resources
Patient education

Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, the junction between nerve and muscle, or the muscles themselves, causing weakness, numbness, and imbalance.

At a glance

Symptoms
Weakness, numbness, tingling, cramps, and imbalance
Common causes
Neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, muscle disease, or motor neuron disease
How it's diagnosed
EMG and nerve conduction studies, blood tests, and imaging
Treatment
Treating the underlying cause, medication, and physical therapy

Overview

Neuromuscular disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that impair the function of muscles and the nerves that control them. These disorders can result from genetic, autoimmune, or degenerative processes, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and other functional impairments.

Symptoms

  • Muscle Weakness: Gradual or sudden onset, often beginning in specific muscle groups.
  • Muscle Cramps: Painful contractions, particularly during or after physical activity.
  • Fatigue: A common symptom due to the muscles' inability to perform sustained activities.
  • Difficulty with Motor Skills: Challenges in performing tasks that require fine motor coordination.

Diagnosis

  • Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles to identify abnormal muscle or nerve function.
  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Assesses the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through the nerves.
  • Muscle Biopsy: Involves taking a small sample of muscle tissue to examine under a microscope for signs of disease which we setup with outside providers.
  • Genetic & Metabolic Testing: Which may be performed with buccal swab/blood collection.

Treatment

  • Medication: Includes immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and other drugs to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
  • Physical Therapy: Aims to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and improve mobility.
  • Assistive Devices: Cyberdyne HAL System, Braces, walkers, or wheelchairs may be recommended to aid in mobility.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Delivers mild electrical impulses to reduce pain and improve muscle function.

Living with Neuromuscular Disorders: Management strategies focus on improving quality of life through:

  • Customized Rehabilitation Programs: Tailored exercises to maintain muscle function and prevent complications.
  • Nutritional Support: Dietary plans to support muscle health and manage weight.
  • Support Services: Access to counseling and support groups for patients and families.

Testing that can help

Testing is chosen from your history and examination. These are the tests most often used here.

Electromyography / Nerve Conduction Velocity (EMG/NCV)Peripheral nerve and muscle testing used to evaluate neuropathy, nerve injury, weakness, and neuromuscular disorders.
Specialty care: Neuromuscular DisordersNeuromuscular disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that impair the function of muscles and the nerves that control them.Parkinson's DiseaseParkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder that causes tremor, slowness, stiffness, and balance problems, and it can also affect blood pressure control.PresbyastasisPresbyastasis is the gradual, age-related decline in balance caused by changes in the inner ear, vision, sensation, and strength, and it raises the risk of falls.Orthostatic HypotensionOrthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure on standing that can cause lightheadedness, blurred vision, or fainting.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if dizziness or imbalance starts suddenly together with any of the following, since these can be signs of a stroke or another emergency:

  • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Double vision or sudden loss of vision
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • Inability to walk or stand
  • Chest pain, fainting, or a seizure

Further reading

This article is for general education and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment are chosen for each patient after a full history and examination.