Neuromuscular Disorders

Neuromuscular disorders are inherited (genetic) or acquired conditions that affect parts of the neuromuscular system including the muscles or nerves. Neuromuscular disorders tend to be progressive in nature, and result in muscle weakness, difficulties walking and fatigue. Some neuromuscular disorders are present at birth while others can start in childhood or adulthood. The condition may be genetically passed down or due to a spontaneous genetic mutation, may be due to an abnormal immune response, inflammation, poisoning, toxins or tumors. Some neuromuscular disorders simply have no known cause. Neuromuscular disorders can be categorized as:

• Muscular dystrophies – affect the muscles and cause weakness that progresses over time. Examples: Duchenne or Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy
• Motor neuron diseases – affect the nerve cells in the spinal cord. Example: Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• Neuromuscular junction diseases – affect the site where nerves and muscles meet. Example: Myasthenia Gravis
• Myopathies – affect the muscles. Example: Bethlem myopathy or myositis
• Neuropathies – affect the nerves. Examples: Charcot Marie Tooth, Guilliam Barre Syndrome

Our specialists can diagnose and treat these disorders and, where necessary, employ a team approach of physicians from other disciplines in the setting of the Neuromuscular Clinic at Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute.

For more information on neuromuscular disorders, please visit: mda.org