Neuromuscular disorders

Neuromuscular disorders are a diverse group of conditions that affect the muscles and/or the nerves controlling them, leading to a range of motor and sensory impairments. These disorders can involve the muscles directly, the neuromuscular junctions where nerves connect to muscles, or the peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. Muscle-related diseases often result in weakness, muscle atrophy, and impaired movement, while nerve-related disorders can cause both motor and sensory deficits. Common neuromuscular disorders include myopathies, motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), neuropathies, and myasthenia gravis. These conditions can be inherited or acquired and vary widely in severity, progression, and impact on quality of life. While some treatments are available for certain acquired neuromuscular disorders, most inherited forms lack effective therapies, making symptom management and efforts to improve mobility and independence crucial. This highlights the critical importance of ongoing research and the development of new treatments for neuromuscular disorders.