Neuromuscular Disorders Program

Neuromuscular disorders include the broad range of disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Most common are peripheral neuropathies, which cause loss of sensation and strength. These disorders can evolve rapidly (Guillain Barre syndrome) or insidiously (diabetic neuropathy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy) and cause a wide range of disability. Diagnosis requires detailed clinical evaluation, often an EMG, and frequently a variety of other blood and laboratory tests, including spinal taps. For the majority of neuropathies, some treatment is available to directly address the disorder or to ease symptoms.

This group of disorders also includes problems such as myasthenia gravis, which often causes double vision, drooping eyelids or fatigability of muscles throughout the body. Myasthenia gravis is caused by an abnormal immune system response which blocks messages from the nerves to the muscles. This disorder is diagnosed by a combination of clinical assessment, EMG, and specific blood tests. Treatment is highly effective in the vast majority of patients.