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:

 ·         Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

·         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)