Neuromuscular
diseases are those that affect the muscles and their direct nervous system
control; problems with central nervous control can cause either spasticity or
some degree of paralysis (from both lower and upper motor neuron disorders),
depending on the location and the nature of the problem.
Examples of
neuromuscular disorders include:
· Muscular dystrophy
· Myasthenia gravis
· Spinal muscular atrophy
There can be different causes for these diseases. Many of
them are genetic. This means they are inherited (run in families) or are caused
by a new mutation in your genes. Some neuromuscular disorders are autoimmune
diseases. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Many neuromuscular
diseases have no cure. But treatments may improve symptoms, increase
mobility, and lengthen life.
Further causes of
neuromuscular diseases are :
Inflammatory muscle
disorders
Polymyalgia rheumatica (or "muscle rheumatism") is
an inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the elderly; it is associated
with giant-cell arteritis(It often responds to prednisolone).
Polymyositis is an autoimmune condition in which the muscle
is affected.
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscular tissue due to
any cause.
Tumors
Smooth muscle: leiomyoma (benign)
Striated muscle: rhabdomyoma (benign)