Neuromusculoskeletal Diseases

Neuromusculoskeletal diseases and disorders are conditions that affect the nerves responsible for controlling voluntary muscles and sensory communication to and from the brain. Nerve cells, or neurons, are responsible for sending and receiving electrical messages in the body to control voluntary muscles. Such neurons can become unhealthy and die, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

What are Neuromusculoskeletal Diseases?

Neuromusculoskeletal disease is a general term used to refer to a wide range of diseases with varying symptoms. Neuromusculoskeletal disorders typically describe a group of diseases affecting the muscles of the arms, legs, and even those of the heart and lungs.

There are a myriad of muscle diseases caused by neural damage, and their severity varies from person to person. Some conditions may be inherited, while others mostly develop spontaneously. Most of these neuromusculoskeletal conditions progressively worsen if not well managed, leading to muscle wasting. Neuromusculoskeletal diseases may result in immobility and some form of disability, affecting people of all age groups.

Common Neuromusculoskeletal Conditions Treated at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

There are several known neuromusculoskeletal diseases that can be diagnosed, treated, and managed by the vastly experienced neurologists.

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it is a nervous system disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and the spinal cord, impacting physical function as motor neurons control voluntary muscles.
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A neurological disorder caused by damage to the fat-based protective layer of the nerves, leading to progressive weakness and reduced sensation in the arms and legs.
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease: Also called sensory neuropathy, it is a group of inherited neurological disorders that lead to nerve damage, mostly in the arms and legs.
• Inflammatory myopathies: Neurological disorders involving the tone and contraction of muscles, leading to inflammation in the affected muscles.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This is an autoimmune condition that is a potentially disabling condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Muscular dystrophies: Neurological problems concerning the structure of muscle cells.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome: A condition caused by acute viral or bacterial infection, triggering the immune system to attack the nerves.
• Myasthenia gravis: A chronic autoimmune condition that leads to skeletal muscle weakness.
• Multifocal motor neuropathy: A rare, slowly progressing condition that leads to muscle weakness, mostly in the arms and legs.
• Spinal muscular atrophy: It refers to a group of neurological hereditary disorders causing damage to specialised cells in the brain and spinal cord.
• Pompe’s disease: A rare genetic condition causing a buildup of glycogen in the lysosomes of the body’s cells.
• Peripheral neuropathy: A common neurological condition causing muscle weakness, numbness, and pain due to injuries, diabetes, infections, and even exposure to toxins.

What are the Symptoms of Neuromusculoskeletal Diseases?

Neuromusculoskeletal diseases may not cause any symptoms in infants, but some symptoms may appear in childhood or adulthood. The symptoms can manifest in the parts of the body affected by neuromusculoskeletal conditions, depending on the type of disease and the affected area of the body. These conditions lead to muscle weakness and fatigue over time, starting from the onset of the disease.

Some of the common symptoms of neuromusculoskeletal diseases may include:

• Muscle weakness, leading to twitching, cramps, and a sensation of pins and needles
• Numbness and tingling
• Difficulty swallowing and speaking
• Breathing problems
• Movement issues
• Balance problems
• Double vision
• Droopy eyelids

Causes & Risk Factors of Neuromusculoskeletal Diseases

Some neuromusculoskeletal disorders are inherited, while others can be caused by spontaneous gene mutations. Sometimes, immune system disorders may also lead to conditions that affect the neuromusculoskeletal system of the body.

How are Neuromusculoskeletal Diseases Diagnosed?

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, our board-certified Neurology specialists and consultants take immense care to provide an accurate diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal conditions affecting patients of any age group. A correct diagnosis leads to prompt treatment and management of such conditions because timely management is essential to prevent further damage. The diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal conditions requires knowledge of the patient’s medical and family history.

During the diagnostic process, the doctor may perform a physical examination to check the patient’s reflexes and muscle strength to complement the assessment of symptoms experienced by the patient. The doctor may also recommend additional diagnostic tests, which may include:

• Blood tests to measure certain enzyme levels
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of the brain and spinal cord
• Nerve conduction tests to evaluate neural signals to and from the muscles
• Electromyography (EMG) to record and evaluate the electrical activity of muscles
• Lumbar puncture test to check the cerebrospinal fluid
• Muscle biopsy
• Genetic testing to identify mutations

How are Neuromusculoskeletal Diseases Treated and Managed at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka?

Neurologists at Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka are committed to providing patient-centric, tailored treatment, and symptom management solutions for a broad spectrum of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. There are over 150 identified types of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with more being added to the list each year. With advancements in treatment methods through research at Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka, the development of drugs and genetic therapies to manage various neuromusculoskeletal diseases is the primary goal of our neurologists.

The primary objective of treating neuromusculoskeletal diseases is to alleviate symptoms, delay disease progression, and enhance our patients’ quality of life. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy play pivotal roles in achieving these goals. When necessary, surgical interventions may also be beneficial for managing neuromusculoskeletal disorders in both children and adults.

To manage symptoms and track the progress of neuromusculoskeletal diseases, we regularly assess patients, typically every 6 to 12 months. Any concerns or changes in a patient’s condition are recorded and promptly addressed through physical therapy and appropriate medications, wherever applicable and necessary.

Neuromusculoskeletal Disease Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Our patient-first approach, along with our outstanding and innovative treatment of neuromusculoskeletal diseases, has made Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, a highly reliable and trustworthy name in India and abroad. With our widely recognised neurology consultants, surgeons, and specialists, we offer world-class healthcare services for a myriad of neuromusculoskeletal problems in children and adults alike. We are dedicated to providing the best care and treatment for neurological conditions with the highest level of expertise and compassion.