Neuromuscular disorders include a wide-range of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system, which consists of all the motor and sensory nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. Progressive muscle weakness is the predominant condition of these disorders.
At the University of Michigan Neuromuscular Program, we have expertise in evaluating and comprehensively treating neuromuscular disorders. We are an academic, tertiary care center with a dedicated program and specialists, allowing us to be on the cutting edge of new information and treatment options. Many of these disorders are treatable if the treatment is initiated early and appropriately.
In fact, further disability can be stopped and potentially reversed. Finding out the exact nature of the disorder will also allow you to understand all the implications of your disease and, if it’s hereditary, what it might mean for your family and offspring. We treat the full scope of neuromuscular disorders, including:
◉Diabetic neuropathy – nerve damage caused by diabetes
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and other motor ◉Neuron diseases – destroys cells that control voluntary muscle activity
◉Toxic neuropathy – pain and weakness caused by toxic substances
◉Small fiber neuropathy – affects the nerve endings of the skin
◉Autonomic neuropathies – damage to nerves that affects the heart, blood pressure, body temperature, digestion and more
Muscular disorders, hereditary:
◉Congenital myopathies – muscle weakness existing at birth
◉Muscular dystrophy – a group of disorders involving muscle weakness
◉Metabolic myopathies – breakdown of muscles, cramping syndromes, exercise intolerance, including mitochondrial disorders
Muscular disorders, acquired:
◉Inclusion body myositis – inflammatory muscle disease includes weakness and difficulty swallowing
◉Dermatomyositis – inflammatory muscle disease includes muscle weakness and skin rash
◉Polymyositis – includes muscle weakness and inflammation
◉Necrotizing myopathy – extensive muscle destruction
Neuromuscular junction disorders (dysfunction at location where nerves connect with muscles):
◉Myasthenia gravis – communication problem between nerves and muscles results in muscle weakness and muscle fatigue
◉Lambert-Eaton Syndrome – often coincides with cancer, causing muscle weakness