Introduction Although spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and the congenital myopathies (CMs) have different etiologic features, they have similar clinical characteristics, and the decision to address them together is consistent with the similarities in the supportive management of these two groups.…
Many diseases specifically affect the motor neurons, ranging from infectious processes such as polio and West Nile viruses to hereditary conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Kennedy disease ( ). Radiation therapy can cause motor neuron degeneration many…
Genetic testing and development of genetically based therapies for hereditary neuromuscular disorders (NMD) have undergone an explosive growth over the last decade leading to widespread use of genetic testing in clinical practice and availability of novel genetically based therapies for…
Introduction Patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are at increased risk for complications during or immediately after surgery; they share a common risk of respiratory failure, atelectasis, and pneumonia and may have longer hospital stays and increased risks of morbidity, as…
Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) in children include conditions that affect the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. Orthopedic treatment of children with NMD has been aimed at preventing worsening of deformities and providing stability to the skeletal system to…
∗ The first edition of this chapter was coauthored with Lisa Krivickas, MD. This current chapter includes some of Dr. Krivickas’ original work. While there are no cures for so many neuromuscular disorders (NMDs), pharmacologic and other interventions are increasingly…
Among the variety of diseases seen by neuromuscular specialists, immune-mediated disorders generate tremendous interest. These disorders are relatively common and often respond favorably to treatment. The field has become more exciting but has also become more complicated due to the…
Conflict of Interest Statement Daniel Menkes, MD, has previously served as a consultant for the Eli Lilly Company, manufacturer of duloxetine (Cymbalta). He has received honoraria in the past from this company for providing lectures on the diagnosis and treatment…
Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System The autonomic nervous system extends to every organ in the human body, creating a dizzying array of central and peripheral nerves, nuclei, ganglia, and neurotransmitters that often defy conventional attempts at learning through memorization.…
Introduction The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an extremely dynamic organ with its extensive muscle regulated not only by enteric nervous system but also by the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, as well as humoral factors. It is therefore not…