Neuromuscular diseases are a range of conditions that impair the functioning of your peripheral nerves and muscles directly and indirectly. They affect the nerves controlling voluntary muscles and nerves communicating sensory information back to the brain. Genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, or nerve damage can cause neuromuscular disorders. Though neuromuscular disease Oxnard has no cure, there are treatments to help reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and lengthen your life. There are many forms of neuromuscular disorders, and below are some.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disorder affecting the central nervous system. Doctors think it to be an autoimmune condition where the body attacks itself by mistake. You may experience mild symptoms or lose the ability to see, write, speak and walk if communication between your brain and other body parts becomes disrupted. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but medications and exercises can treat flare-ups and improve symptoms.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal motor neuron disorder. It causes nerve cell degeneration in your spinal cord and brain, and there is no known cause. At first, you will experience limb weakness occurring over a few days or weeks, and later fault develops in another part. As the condition progresses, you can have fatigue, twitching of muscles, slurred speech, and trouble using your arms and legs. There is no cure for ALS, but treatments help to manage symptoms.
Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic conditions causing progressive weakness of your body muscles. Some muscular dystrophy disorders present in early childhood, while others appear in adulthood. Defective genes cause muscular dystrophy. The common symptoms are progressive muscle weakness, trouble breathing, difficulties when sitting or climbing stairs, and curvature of the spine. Physical activities and medication help to reduce symptoms.
Myositis
Myositis is a group of diseases causing muscle inflammation, which leads to prolonged muscle fatigue and weakness. Juvenile myositis, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion body myositis are the main conditions in this group. They all involve chronic muscle inflammation, but other symptoms may differ hence varying treatments. Sometimes myositis can affect internal organs and your skin.
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disorder where your body attacks its neuromuscular connections. This condition disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing weakness. Voluntary muscles, commonly the eyes, mouth, and limbs, are affected by myasthenia gravis. Visual disorders, difficulties swallowing, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness are the symptoms of this condition. Treatment of myasthenia depends on your symptoms, age, and overall health.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited nerve disorder. It causes problems in the nerves that supply the feet, legs, hands, and arms. CMT affects motor nerves which carry signals from the brain to the muscles, and sensory nerves, which carry sensations back to your brain. This condition is caused by inheriting a gene problem from one or both of your parents. There is no cure for CMT, but physical therapies, pain relievers, and surgery can help relieve symptoms.
Since there is no cure for most neuromuscular diseases, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment and following your doctor’s management strategies can help you live an entire life with these disorders. Schedule an appointment at Link Neuroscience Institute to treat neuromuscular diseases to relieve muscle fatigue and weakness.
