Conditions We Treat
Neuromuscular Disorders
Overview
Neuromuscular disorders are conditions that cause muscle weakness and fatigue that tend to progress over time. They affect the nerves that control your voluntary muscles, as well as the nerves that carry sensation back to the brain.
Nerve cells keep your muscles working by passing electrical signals between the body and the brain. When those nerve cells become unhealthy or die, the communication between the nervous system and the muscles breaks down. This leads to weakness and, over time, to muscle wasting, where the muscles shrink.
Because this group of conditions is so varied, and some are uncommon, getting an accurate diagnosis is the most important first step toward the right care.
Symptoms
Signs of a neuromuscular disorder
Symptoms depend on the specific condition and where it affects the body. Common ones include:
- Progressive muscle weakness and fatigue
- Muscle wasting, cramps, or twitching
- Numbness, tingling, or aching
- Droopy eyelids or double vision
- Trouble swallowing or breathing in more severe cases
Types
Conditions we treat
Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control muscles, the muscles themselves, or the connection between them. They include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Myasthenia gravis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Muscular dystrophy and myopathy
Some are inherited and others are acquired, such as autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis.
Causes & risk factors
What can cause them
Causes are not always known, and often involve a mix of factors:
- Inherited (genetic) conditions
- Autoimmune conditions, such as myasthenia gravis
- Viral infections
- Metabolic or hormonal disorders, and certain toxins
Diagnosis
How neuromuscular disorders are evaluated
Because these conditions can be hard to pin down, the evaluation is thorough:
- A detailed history and an exam of reflexes and muscle strength
- EMG/NCV to study the electrical activity of nerves and muscles
- Blood tests, including muscle-enzyme levels
- MRI, and in some cases a muscle biopsy or genetic testing
Treatment
How neuromuscular disorders are treated
Most cannot be cured, so care focuses on slowing progression and quality of life:
- Medication to manage symptoms and, for some, the condition itself
- Physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy
- Braces, mobility aids, and supportive devices
- Regular monitoring with a neurologist
Our Approach
How we help
Neuromuscular disorders can be difficult to pin down, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. Our board-certified providers combine a careful history and exam with testing such as EMG/NCV and blood work to identify the condition. Most neuromuscular disorders cannot be cured, but treatment, medication, therapy, and support, can slow progression, ease symptoms, and protect your quality of life.
On-Site Testing
Testing that may help with diagnosis
Good to Know
Neuromuscular Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a neuromuscular disorder?
It is a broad group of conditions that impair muscle function, either by affecting the muscles directly or by affecting the nerves and the nerve-to-muscle connection that make muscles contract. The most common symptom is weakness, which can progress to muscle wasting over time.
What are common neuromuscular disorders?
They include multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, muscular dystrophy, and inflammatory muscle conditions such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Our providers diagnose and treat a comprehensive list of these conditions.
What causes neuromuscular disorders?
Causes vary and are not always known. They include genetic (inherited) factors, autoimmune conditions, viral infections, metabolic and hormonal disorders, and exposure to certain toxins. Many involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.
How are neuromuscular disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and physical exam, including checking reflexes and muscle strength. From there, testing may include EMG/NCV to study the electrical activity of nerves and muscles, blood tests, MRI, and, in some cases, a muscle biopsy or genetic testing.
How are neuromuscular disorders treated?
Most do not have a cure, so treatment focuses on slowing progression and improving quality of life. This often includes medication, physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy, and supportive care. Working with a neurologist helps ensure you get the right plan and ongoing monitoring.
When should I see a neurologist?
See a neurologist for muscle weakness that is progressive or unexplained, especially if it comes with muscle wasting, cramps, numbness, double vision, or trouble swallowing or breathing. Earlier diagnosis allows treatment to begin sooner.
We're here to help