What are neuromuscular disorders and myasthenia gravis?

Neuromuscular disorders interfere with muscular function due to issues with the body’s muscles and nerves.

Different types of neuromuscular disorders exist, such as the following:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called "Lou Gehrig disease", is a severe motor neuron disease which results in the slow degradation of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain.
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a genetically inherited condition affecting the nerves. It results in abnormalities in the nerves that control the hands, arms, legs, and feet.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system. MS is an autoimmune condition whereby the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells.
• Muscular dystrophy refers to a collection of hereditary conditions that result in progressive muscle fatigue.
• Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a long-term, progressive autoimmune disease whereby the body fights against its own neuromuscular network.

What are the signs of neuromuscular disorders and myasthenia gravis?

One of the common signs of a neuromuscular disorder is muscle fatigue.

In addition, neuromuscular disorders present with the following symptoms:

• Muscle fatigue leads to aches and pains in the body, muscle cramps, twitching, and muscle pain.
• Trouble with balance.
• Difficulty moving.
• Sagging eyelids.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Breathing difficulty.

Typical signs of Myasthenia gravis (MG) include the following:

• Visual issues include ptosis (sagging eyelids) and diplopia (double vision).
• Muscle fatigue that progressively intensifies over several hours or days.
• Difficulty pronouncing words and trouble swallowing.
• Weakness in the limbs and neck.
• Trouble breathing.

Why do neuromuscular disorders and myasthenia gravis occur?

Neuromuscular disorders arise from a gene mutation that may be inherited or result from immune system conditions.

How does a neurologist treat neuromuscular disorders and myasthenia gravis?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent relief from neuromuscular disorders. Currently, research for a cure is ongoing, with more focus on finding new medications and genetic therapies to provide permanent relief from symptoms.

Treatment (physical therapy, prescription medications, and, if necessary, surgery) aims to resolve symptoms, slow the progression of disease and improve quality of life.