Top 5 Neuromuscular Disorders & Treatment Options

Top 5 Neuromuscular Disorders & Treatment Options

The diagnosis of neuromuscular disorder is a complex process. Many diseases affect nerves and muscles, often producing similar symptoms involving numbness and weakness making a diagnosis complicated. Neuromuscular disorders affect the communication between our nervous system and muscles, allowing bodily movement. A neuromuscular disorder diagnosis begins with a physical exam from a physician or neurologist using a range of tests.

Symptoms of a neuromuscular disorder include:

  1. Loss of muscle function and weakness
  2. Loss of the communication between muscles and nerves
  3. Disruption in bodily functions
  4. Overall pain and spasms
  5. Decreased coordination
  6. Poor balance
  7. Difficulty swallowing and breathing
  8. Fatigue

The top 5 neuromuscular disorders include:

  1. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)- is a motor neuron disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The results are wasting away of muscle, loss of movement, and eventual paralysis.
  2. Multiple sclerosis ( MS) - the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body.
  3. Muscular dystrophy - is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness, loss of muscle mass, and a breakdown of nerve tissue.
  4. Myopathy- is a disorder of the skeletal muscles. Myopathies can occur when the body's immune system causes muscle inflammation; skeletal and muscle weaknesses occur.
  5. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) - is a neurological disorder characterized by damage to the peripheral nervous system which carries signals from the brain to various parts of the body.

Millions of people in the United States are affected by one of many neuromuscular disorders. There is currently no treatment that can cure neuromuscular disorders. Treating symptoms, delaying disease progression, and enhancing the quality of life for patients are achieved with medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and, when necessary, surgery.

Receiving a neuromuscular disorder diagnosis is overwhelming and can be a challenging time for a person and their family. Finding a specialist to care for you during this time is imperative. Dr. Jennifer Ahmed is a board-certified neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. For all in-office appointments and inquiries, please call (631) 364-9119.

North Suffolk Neurology is a full-service Neurology, Headache Medicine, and Sleep Medicine practice. Our neurologists are board certified with a commitment to help patients and their families maintain and improve health.