Care for Neuromuscular Disorders
If you have a problem with the nerves that control your muscles, you have a neuromuscular disorder. There are many different kinds of neuromuscular diseases. Some are primary diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Others are side effects of other diseases, such as diabetic neuropathies. Some are progressive and life-threatening, while others are not as severe.
Diagnosis
We offer several tests to diagnose neuromuscular disorders. Our experienced staff uses state-of-the-art equipment for all of these tests:
- Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
- CT (Computerized Tomography) Scans
- Electromyograph (EMG)
- Genetic Testing
- Muscle Biopsy
- MRI Scans
- Nerve Conduction Test
- Quantitative Sensory Testing
- X-ray
Treatment
Depending on your diagnosis and the progression of your disease, you may benefit from one or more of these treatments:
- Plasma exchange
- Intravenous immunoglobulin
- Immunosuppression
- Individual pain and symptom management
- Intensive care of patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome and myasthenic crisis
If you have a neuromuscular disease you may have special rehabilitation needs, including:
- Strategies to protect and strengthen muscles, joints and nerves
- Pain management
- Balance and gait training
- Protection of respiratory and airway function
All patients hope for new and better ways to treat their illness. Lehigh Valley Health Network participates in national clinical research for treatments for:
- Painful peripheral neuropathies
- ALS
- Myasthenia gravis
- Muscular dystrophies
This page last updated 7/10/08 12:21 PM
