Detection and Prevention
Neuromuscular disorders affect the function of the body’s nerves and muscles. Diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, and neuropathy can limit movement, cause discomfort, and alter a patient’s day-to-day life.
The experienced specialist and staff are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of a range of neuromuscular disorders. We are committed to alleviating the symptoms of these disorders, facilitating our patients’ physical mobility, and helping them maintain their independence. At the CNSI Neuromuscular Center, our patients comfort and optimal quality of life is our priority.
Neuromuscular Disorders We Treat
Our physician and staff at the CNSI Neuromuscular Center are trained and experienced in the treatment of a wide range of neuromuscular disorders. Our specialist can prescribe medications and therapies that may improve function, alleviate some symptoms, and help patients better perform daily tasks.
Among the conditions we treat:
Diseases of the nerve-muscle junction
- Myasthenia gravis
- Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Periodic paralyses
Focal neuropathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Radial neuropathy
- Ulnar neuropathy
Motor neuron diseases
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy’s disease and X-linked SGMA
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Muscular disorders – acquired and hereditary
- Inflammatory myopathies
- Necrotizing myopathy
- Congenital myopathies
- Metabolic myopathies
- Muscular dystrophies
Neuropathy (Diseases of the peripheral nerves)
- Brachial plexopathy
- Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) and other hereditary neuropathies
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (AIDP)
- Polyneuropathy (with diabetes being the primary cause)
- Small fiber neuropathy
- Toxic neuropathy
Diagnosing Neuromuscular Disorders
When symptoms of a neuromuscular disorder develop, a primary care physician may refer a patient to our specialist, who will conduct a thorough examination and opt for certain tests to arrive at a diagnosis.
Some tests that may be ordered include:
- Blood screens
- Electromyography (EMG) – detects electrical activity in muscles
- Examination of cerebrospinal fluid
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – takes detailed images of the brain and spinal cord
- Muscle and nerve biopsies
- Nerve conduction study – measures electrical activity in nerves
- Sensory testing
Some neuromuscular disorders are the result of some other medical condition such as cancer or diabetes. In these cases, a dual treatment plan is essential for patients to begin their path to wellness.
Treatment of Neuromuscular Disorders
Our specialist at the Neuromuscular Center are dedicated to alleviating our patients’ discomfort and improving the quality of their daily life. We utilize a variety of treatment options to help our patients maintain their independence and remain as comfortable as possible.
Many neuromuscular disorders are treated on an outpatient basis. If symptoms become acute, an inpatient treatment at Miami Valley Hospital may be required.
The type of treatment is different for each patient, as each has unique circumstances and medical history. The types of treatment we offer include:
- Drug therapy – Some immunosuppressive drugs are effective in treating some nerve and muscle diseases, and anticonvulsants or antidepressants may help suppress the discomfort of other conditions.
- Referrals to specialists – Patients may need more specialized care for certain conditions or symptoms. For that reason, we may refer patients to subspecialists such as neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, or speech, physical and occupational therapists.
- Patient and family education and counseling
- Physical therapy
- Cymbalta
- Canes/assistive devices
- Occupational therapy
- Prosthetics
- Pain management
The Neuromuscular Center has electromyography capability, and is working toward beginning clinical trials and becoming lab-certified. For patients, that means high-quality care close to home by a trained specialist who utilize their skills to help build a healthier community.