Treatments for Neuromuscular Disease

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Treatments for Neuromuscular Disease
source: lvhn.org

Oxnard is a city in Ventura County, California. It is considered the “Entertainment Capital of Ventura County,” hosting many movie shoots. The town is also home to the Channel Islands National Park. There is a substantial number of people with neuromuscular disease in Oxnard. The muscular disease makes up a large number of all neurodegenerative diseases. The neuromuscular disorder is a medical term used to define a group of diseases that cause muscles to stop working correctly. Many types of neuromuscular diseases affect the body’s ability to walk, eat, speak, and breathe.

There are many treatments for neuromuscular disease. Some of these treatments include:

Table of Contents

Medication

Medicines for muscular diseases are made to help slow down the process of muscle wasting, ease pain, and improve function. Medicine for these diseases usually must be taken frequently. Medicine of muscular illnesses include :

  • Prednisone
  • Methotrexate
  • Azathioprine
  • Mycophenolate mofetil
  • Rituximab
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Etoposide
  • Lamivudine

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps patients learn to use their muscles again. Patients work with physical therapists, who teach them exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve movement. They may also be taught how to manage daily tasks using assistive devices. Often, physical therapy is used along with other treatments like medications or surgery.

Surgery

Surgery is used to help improve muscle function or relieve pain in some people with neuromuscular disease. Surgery may be done on the muscles, nerves, or spine. You can also use it to fix problems with swallowing or breathing. Surgery for muscular diseases include :

  • Thymectomy
  • Thymoma Surgery
  • Abdominal Muscle Transplantation
  • Tracheostomy surgery
  • Neck muscle transfer surgery
  • Tendon transfer surgery in hand or arm for CMT1A patients.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) is a treatment that uses antibodies from donated blood to help improve muscle function. It is given through a vein, usually in your arm. This treatment is used when other treatments have not worked or are unavailable.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a new treatment that uses genes to fix problems with the muscles or nerves. Gene therapy treatment is in the early research stage. It is only available at specific medical centers for certain types of diseases.

Electrical Stimulation

Sometimes, a special electrical device is used to help improve muscle movement and function. The gadget sends an electrical charge through wires that have been placed under your skin near affected muscles. Patients use hand-held devices to control the electrical pulses. This treatment is used when other treatments have not worked or are unavailable.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps people with neuromuscular diseases with their daily tasks. You can do this at home, work, or school. Depending on your specific needs, occupational therapists may teach you how to use adaptive devices like braces, splints, utensils, or walkers.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy can help people with neuromuscular disease who have difficulty speaking. Speech therapists help patients learn how to communicate more clearly and use the right muscles for speaking. They may also work on assisting patients to swallow properly.

Nutritional Therapy

People with neuromuscular disease need to eat a healthy diet. A nutritionist can help you create a diet that will help you stay strong and healthy. A nutritionist can also help you with problems like swallowing or constipation.

There are many treatments for neuromuscular disease. Muscular diseases affect each person differently and can be very serious. Talk with your doctor about what treatment might work for you.