Neuromuscular diseases occur when there is damage to the peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, or muscle. Symptoms vary by disease, and may include muscle weakness, muscle loss, numbness, fatigue, speech or swallowing changes, double vision, or shortness of breath.

There are many types of NMDs. They have a wide variety of causes. They're all marked by their impact on the peripheral nerves and muscles. 

Muscular dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies are genetic diseases that cause destruction of skeletal muscles. Individuals living with muscular dystrophy develop progressive muscle weakness.

There are many types of muscular dystrophies, some like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy begin in childhood, others like Myotonic Dystrophy, may begin later in life. 

Motor neuron disease

Motor neuron disease refers to diseases that affect motor neurons. Motor neurons are a type of nerve cell that control muscle activity.

Disease affecting motor neurons can cause weakness in the arms and legs, as well as changes in speaking, swallowing, and breathing.

The most well-known example is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Muscle channelopathies

Muscle channelopathies are rare genetic disorders caused by mutations in muscle ion channels that manage skeletal muscle excitability. These disorders can cause muscle stiffness (myotonia congenita) or periodic muscle weakness (periodic paralysis).

Mitochondrial disease

Mitochondrial work in the body to create energy. Mitochondrial diseases occur when there's a disruption to mitochondria.

These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.

Myopathies

Myopathy is the term used to describe disease of muscle. Myopathies have many causes including genetic or inherited conditions, infection, inflammatory disorders, medications, or endocrine disease.

Neuromuscular junction diseases

The neuromuscular junction transmits signals between your muscles and nerves. When there's a problem with the neuromuscular junction, a person may experience weakness, fatigue, double vision, and/or trouble chewing or swallowing.

Common diseases of the neuromuscular junction include myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

Peripheral nerve disease

Peripheral nerve disease, or peripheral neuropathy, affect the motor and sensory nerves in the arms and legs. Peripheral neuropathy may result in numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or problems with movement or other functions. There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy.

Some common causes of peripheral nerve disease include:

• Diabetes, either type 1 or type 2
• B vitamin deficiency
• Toxins, including alcohol, heavy metals, and certain medicines
• Autoimmune conditions, like Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP, and lupus
• Trauma or injury, including carpel tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy
• Infections, including Lyme disease and HIV
• Genetic conditions, like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Treatments for NMDs can vary. Many NMDs have no cure, but we still consider these diseases to be treatable, with many options available to improve symptoms and maximize independence.

Your care team will work closely with you to discuss available treatments and develop a plan tailored to your needs and goals.