What is a neuromuscular disease? The disease affects muscle function, including nervous control. It affects everyone, but the symptoms are most common between ages 50 and 70. The neuromuscular disease may occur due to an autoimmune illness, or hereditary issues, while in some cases, there is no known cause. Usually, there is no cure, but there are treatments to improve the symptoms and enhance movement. The neuromuscular disease Oxnard specialists at Link Neuroscience Institute have years of experience in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disease. This article explains more about the neuromuscular disease.
What is neuromuscular disease?
It involves various health conditions that affect the muscles and peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are responsible for sorting out sensory information and carrying it to the brain. They also convey messages from the brain to the muscles, activating muscle activity.
You can develop a neuromuscular disease through inheritance, enzyme deficiency, an autoimmune disease, and muscle problems resulting from nerve damage. It may also occur due to an underlying medical condition.
Neuromuscular diseases include multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, peripheral neuropathy, dermatomyositis, and myasthenia gravis, among others. Each of these muscular diseases consists of several conditions. For instance, muscular dystrophy occurs in nine forms.
What are the symptoms of a neuromuscular disease?
The symptoms depend on the type of neuromuscular disease and can occur at any age. The common neuromuscular symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of muscle, muscle aches and pain, difficulty moving, double vision, and difficulty swallowing. You may also experience shortness of breath, droopy eyelids, cramps and twitching, muscle stiffness, balance problems, and cough.
You may experience severe pain from cramps and spasticity. Muscle weakness causes difficulty in moving, including sitting, reaching for items, or climbing stairs.
Neuromuscular disease in children causes developmental delays in motor skills. Children may not turn or lift their heads and may not walk or sit up at the expected age.
What are the treatment options for neuromuscular diseases?
The Link Neuroscience Institute team conducts a comprehensive physical exam, where they evaluate your symptoms, muscle strength, and reflexes. They may also order blood work and request diagnostic imaging like an MRI. The team conducts electromyography and nerve conduction studies to review your nerve and muscle function.
Neuromuscular disease treatments aim at alleviating symptoms and slowing the disease progression. Some treatment options include surgery, chronic pain management, and medications. Your provider creates a personalized treatment plan to address your specific problem.
In case you need more integrative care, your provider may refer you to a specialist. The team at Link Neuroscience Institute may also suggest physical therapy, an ophthalmologist, occupational therapy, or a pulmonary specialist.
Early detection of neuromuscular disease can help design a treatment and improve your life quality. It is essential to visit a medical specialist as soon as you suspect the disease’s symptoms. Some forms of neuromuscular disease get worse with time and even become resistant to medications.
Contact Link Neuroscience Institute today to schedule your consultation and learn more about neuromuscular disease.
