5 Common Neuromuscular Disorders, And The Signs To Watch Out For

Nerves control voluntary muscles and transmit information to the brain via the spinal cord. Once conditions disrupt the electrical messages that nerves send back and forth to govern these muscles, the resulting ailment is labeled a neuromuscular dysfunction. Moreover, communication breaks down once the neurons die or are diseased. Consequently, muscles deteriorate to the degree of atrophy. There are numerous causes of neuromuscular disease Oxnard, including genetic predisposition, inflammation, metabolic and immunological system issues, and pharmacological complications. All these factors could present in various neuromuscular illnesses, with the following being the most prevalent.

1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The debilitating neuromuscular ailment borrows this name from the New York Yankees star who retired in 1939 after being diagnosed with the condition. ALS is arguably the most well-known neuromuscular disease. It is progressive, and there is no treatment.

ALS is characterized by muscle stiffness and/or weakening. Ultimately, all muscles within voluntary control are damaged as neurons in the lower and upper body regions die and signals between the muscles and brain stop.

The condition progresses to the point where the brain loses control over physiological functions. Patients lose even the capability to breathe, leading many to suffer respiratory failure five years after diagnosis.

2. Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic illness. As with many neuromuscular illnesses, it is defined by progressively weakened and dysfunctional muscles. Aberrant genes’ presence prevents healthy muscle formation since they interfere with the process of building healthy muscle.

There are several types of muscular dystrophy. Nonetheless, the most prevalent kind develops in childhood and is more frequent in boys. The rare forms do not manifest till adulthood.

3. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis occurs once the patient’s immune system attacks the nerve-protecting myelin. Myelin is composed of fatty tissue that encases nerve fibers. Without myelin’s shielding, nerves deteriorate, and scar tissue forms.

The nerves cease to function properly due to the damage surrounding the nerve fibers and the associated scar tissue, which prevents the reception of nerve signals from the brain. Unlike before the disease’s advancement, the patient cannot feel and move. Muscle spasms and weakness develop, causing patients to have trouble walking. Most patients are also likely to experience fatigue and depression.

4. Myasthenia Graves

The term for this neuromuscular disease is borrowed from a Greek word meaning dreadful muscle weakness. This autoimmune disorder causes muscles to weaken without atrophying. The afflicted muscles are those essential for all body movement and respiration. Although there is no treatment for myasthenia gravis, some promising therapies can enhance the patient’s life quality by managing the disease’s symptoms.

5. Neuropathy

Neuropathy, sometimes known as peripheral neuropathy, is nerve injury characterized by muscle weakness, discomfort, and numbness. The ailment often impacts the feet and hands but could also affect other body regions. Typical illnesses affecting the peripheral nerve include diabetes, chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (CIDP), and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Neuromuscular disorders are often life-threatening. Therefore, if you identify any warning signs of a neuromuscular disease, such as balance problems, muscle weakness, problems swallowing, respiratory difficulties, and more, you should seek immediate care. While most of these diseases have no treatment, your doctor can explore various solutions to help control the symptoms.