Neuromuscular disorder

Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles and the nerves that communicate sensory information back to the brain. Nerve cells (neurons) send and receive electrical messages to and from the body to help control voluntary muscles. When the neurons become unhealthy or die, communication between the nervous system and muscles breaks down. As a result, muscles weaken and waste away (atrophy).

Symptoms

There are many neuromuscular disorders, and treatment by an experienced multidisciplinary team, such as the one at Cedars-Sinai's Neuromuscular Disorders Program, is vital.

These disorders result in muscle weakness and fatigue that progress over time. Some neuromuscular disorders have symptoms that begin in infancy, while others may appear in childhood or even adulthood. Symptoms will depend on the type of neuromuscular disorder and the areas of the body that are affected.

Some symptoms common to neuromuscular disorders include:

• Muscle weakness that can lead to twitching, cramps, aches and pains
• Muscle loss
• Movement issues
• Balance problems
• Numbness, tingling or painful sensations
• Droopy eyelids
• Double vision
• Trouble swallowing
• Trouble breathing