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Neuromuscular Disorders

Summary

Neuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control your voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles are the
ones you can control, like in your arms and legs. Your nerve cells, also called neurons, send the messages
that control these muscles. When the neurons become unhealthy or die, communication between your nervous
system and muscles breaks down. As a result, your muscles weaken and waste away. The weakness can lead to
twitching, cramps, aches and pains, and joint and movement problems. Sometimes it also affects heart
function and your ability to breathe.

Examples of neuromuscular disorders include

Many neuromuscular diseases are genetic, which means they run in families or there is a mutation in your
genes. Sometimes, an immune system disorder can cause them. Most of them have no cure. The goal of treatment
is to improve symptoms, increase mobility and lengthen life.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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