Find Effective Treatment for Neuromuscular Disease at Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic
What Are Neuromuscular Diseases?
Neuromuscular diseases include a range of conditions that affect the nerves that control muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, or spasticity. Some of the more well-known types include muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS.
What Causes Neuromuscular Diseases?
Many neuromuscular diseases have a genetic component, meaning they run in families and can be inherited. Some research theorizes that some people may be more susceptible to the diseases, and then may be triggered by an environmental factor. In many cases, the cause is not known.
What Are the Symptoms of Neuromuscular Diseases?
Symptoms can vary—especially dependent on the particular type of neuromuscular disease, but can include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle numbness
- Muscle pain
- Muscle twitching and spasms
How Are Neuromuscular Diseases Diagnosed?
Doctors start by taking a full medical history and performing a physical examination that includes a neurological examination.
The doctor may also order electrodiagnostic testing, which can include:
- Electromyography, or EMG, which measures the electrical activity of muscles. During this test, a needle is inserted into a muscle, and then records its electrical activity. The test can help determine if you are having a problem related to specific nerves, the brain, the spinal cord, or a particular muscle
- Nerve conduction study, or NCS, which is used to evaluate the function of the motor and sensory nerves
How Are Neuromuscular Diseases Treated?
Typically, medication is used to address symptoms of neuromuscular disease. Sometimes, muscle impairment can lead to spinal deformities, which can be addressed through surgery.
Make an Appointment
Our neurosurgeons at Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic have extensive experience in dealing with neuromuscular disease. To meet with one of our neuromuscular disease specialists:
Make an appointment today!