neuromuskular

Neuromuscular, or neuromuskular in some languages, refers to the relationship between nerves and muscles and to disorders involving them. The neuromuscular system comprises motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem, the peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, skeletal muscles, and their supporting structures.

The neuromuscular junction is the synapse at which a motor neuron communicates with a muscle fiber. At this junction the motor neuron releases acetylcholine, which binds to receptors on the muscle, triggering contraction. Disruption can arise from autoimmune, genetic, or toxic causes.

Neuromuscular disorders are diverse and grouped by the impaired component: neuromuscular junction disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome); neuropathies and radiculopathies (Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy); motor neuron diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy); and myopathies (muscular dystrophies, inflammatory myopathies).

Evaluation uses electrophysiology such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies, along with blood tests, genetic testing, muscle or nerve biopsy, and imaging. Treatments depend on the disease and may include immunotherapy (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis for MG), disease-modifying therapies for specific conditions, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory support, and assistive devices.

The term neuromuscular is common in medicine and physiology; in some languages the spelling neuromuskular is used.