Neuromuscular Disorder
Neuromuscular diseases affect nerves and muscles. The most common symptoms of the neuromuscular disease include weakness, low tone, numbness, and pain in body parts. These disorders can be static, or progressive. Most neuromuscular disorders are congenital neuromuscular diseases or genetically transferrable. Some prevalent neuromuscular disorders in children are.
- Motor neuron disease affecting the spinal cord
- Muscular dystrophies affecting peripheral muscle (Duchenne muscular dystrophy)
- Neuromuscular junction disorder (like Myasthenia gravis)
- Congenital Myopathies
- Metabolic myopathies
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM)
- Peripheral neuropathies (both inherited and acquired)
Dr. Arif Khan recommends parents be vigilant if there is any delayed development or unexplained weakness in their child especially if there is a family history of neuromuscular disorders in the family. They should consult a neurologist immediately for their kid on noticing the following symptoms:
- Limb weakness
- Muscle-coordination problem while walking
- Joint contracture
- Numbness of body parts
- Delay in motor development
How Can Early Diagnosis And Treatment Help?
The neuromuscular disorders are usually genetic, and their progression can have harrowing consequences on your child’s life. According to Dr. Khan, early diagnosis and intervention will help anticipate future complications, plan supportive therapy like physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Use orthosis appropriately and more recently, plan genetic therapies for a number of neuromuscular conditions.
Diagnosis
According to our neurologist Dr. Arif Khan, accurate diagnosis paves the way for definite neuromuscular disease treatment in Dubai. Initially, Dr. Khan reviews the child as well as the family’s medical history and recommends the following diagnostic tests that include:
- CK-level blood test: CK or creatine kinase is an enzyme that leaks from damaged muscle and mixes in the bloodstream, and the test ensures its presence through a blood test. It is a biomarker for muscle disorders in general.
- Electromyography (EMG): The test stimulates the nerves and gauges the electrical conduction of impulses in nerves and at the neuromuscular junction.
- DNA analysis- since there are fair chances of its being a genetic disorder, DNA analysis helps in the detailed examination of disorder and plan treatment in response.
The genetic tests and diagnostic evaluations are sent to highly reputed and accredited labs.
Although most muscular dystrophies cannot be cured, Dr. Arif Khan designs the best treatment plan to reduce symptoms’ intensity and progression rate thereby improving the quality of life. The treatments include:
- Recommending orthopedic and orthotic adjuncts (wheelchairs, standing frames, and mobile arm supports)
- Braces for scoliosis support
- Physical Therapy: stretching exercises
- Medication, with nutritional supplements
- Remedial orthopedic surgery (under the guidance of orthopedic colleagues)
Neuromuscular diseases lead to limb weakness and functional impairment. Dr. Arif Khan is a compassionate neurologist who strives to serve children in the best possible ways. He studies individual cases carefully and presents the most effective treatment plan to break down the progression rate of neuromuscular disorder and help reduce the debilitating symptoms such as joint contracture and muscle weakness.
