Neuromuscular disorders are a group of conditions where extensive damage to the nerves occur, according to the National Institutes of Health. When the nerves die, the communication between the patient's nervous system and muscles are disrupted. These damaged nerves control the voluntary muscles in the arms and legs. As a result, patients with neuromuscular disorders experience joint and movement problems. In addition, the neuromuscular disorder can also affect the patient's heart function and breathing.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a neuromuscular disorder. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects the neurons in the brain and spinal cord, according to the NIH. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis occurs most often in men between the ages of 40 and 60. Symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis include trouble walking or running, writing difficulties and speech problems. As the disease progresses, patients lose their strength and ability to move. When the muscles in the patient's chest deteriorates, the patient will no longer be able to breathe. Most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients die from respiratory failure, according to the NIH.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, results in damage to the myelin sheath, which protects the neuron. When the myelin sheath is damaged, signals between the brain and body are disrupted. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects women most often; the onset of the disorder is between age 20 and 40. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis are memory and thinking problems, visual disturbances, numbness, prickling, muscle weakness, and coordination and balance problems.
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy, or MD, is a group of 30-plus inherited diseases, according to the NIH. Patients exhibit muscle weakness and loss, and eventually lose the ability to walk. While some forms of muscular dystrophy start during childhood, other types of muscular dystrophy have a later onset.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis affects the muscles in the patient's head, according to the NIH. As a result of myasthenia gravis, the patient's immune system creates antibodies that block the nerve signals. Symptoms of myasthenia gravis are eye and eyelid movement problems, problems with facial expression and difficulties swallowing.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
In spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, the motor neurons in the spinal cord are damaged. Spinal muscular atrophy symptoms include problems walking, swallowing, breathing and crawling. In addition, patients with spinal muscular atrophy have issues with head and neck control. Some forms of spinal muscular atrophy are fatal if they affect the patient's breathing.
