The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that neuromuscular disease refers to a group of disorders where damage occurs to the nerves. Due to nerve cell death, communication between the nerves and muscles deteriorate, resulting in a lack of control of the voluntary muscles. While the symptoms are different for each neuromuscular disease, movement problems are the most common, though breathing and speech can also be affected.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Symptoms
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is one type of neuromuscular disease where neurons waste away. Symptoms of ALS usually do not begin until age 50 or older. The NIH notes that the main symptoms of ALS are a loss of muscle strength and a lack of coordination. Patients can also exhibit muscle cramps and weakness, which can later result in paralysis. Problems with breathing and swallowing are also symptoms of ALS, as well as difficulties with speaking.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Another neuromuscular disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by the deterioration of the myelin sheath, which protects the neuron. Without a myelin sheath, messages between the neurons and the muscles are disrupted. The onset of symptoms is between age 20 and 40, and is more common in women than men. The NIH states that patients with MS experience issues with small movements, walking and coordination; a loss of balance is also possible. Patients may also have abnormal sensations, such as tingling or the feeling of "pins and needles." Other symptoms of MS are tremors and weakness, which can appear in one or more legs.
Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disease in which the patient has an abnormal immune response, causing the body to attack itself. Symptoms can begin at any age, though the NIH notes that it "is most common in young women and older men." Like other types of neuromuscular disease, patients with myasthenia gravis have muscle weakness, which can result in paralysis later. Difficulty talking and chewing are also possible symptoms. Vision problems, such as double vision, eyelid drooping and problems maintaining a gaze, can occur with myasthenia gravis.
Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms
Muscular dystrophy refers to multiple disorders, and symptoms can vary. The most common symptoms of muscular dystrophy are muscle weakness, such as problems walking, frequently falling, eyelid drooping and a delay in the development of motor skills. In some forms of muscular dystrophy, mental retardation is a symptom.
