Neuromuscular Disease Specialist
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Memphis Neurology
Neurology Specialists located in Germantown, TN & Southaven, MS
Neuromuscular diseases such as radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscular dystrophy cause muscle weakness that ranges from mild to severe and, in some cases, can become life-threatening. Board-certified neurologist Shiva Natarajan, MD, and his team at Memphis Neurology provide accurate diagnosis and treatment for all types of muscle and nerve-related disorders at two convenient locations in Germantown, Tennessee, and Southaven, Mississippi. To schedule an evaluation for a neuromuscular condition, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.
Neuromuscular Disease Q&A
What is a neuromuscular disease?
Neuromuscular diseases involve damage to nerve cells (known as neurons), muscle tissue, or both. When this damage occurs, your brain can’t communicate with your muscles as it should, so you experience muscle weakness, numbness, spasms, and other debilitating symptoms.
What causes neuromuscular diseases?
Various factors lead to different types of neuromuscular conditions. Some of the most common neuromuscular diseases that Memphis Neurology diagnoses and treats include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Nerve compression in the wrist leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
Neuropathy
Diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and genetic factors can cause neuropathy — or nerve disease. Common symptoms of neuropathy include sharp, burning, or throbbing pain, numbness and tingling, and loss of coordination and balance. In some cases, neuropathy causes digestive issues, changes in blood pressure, or paralysis.
Myopathy
Muscle disease, or myopathy, causes muscles to lose function. Causes of myopathy include genetics, autoimmune conditions, and endocrine system disorders. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, and loss of muscle tissue. When severe, myopathy can interfere with organ function and may cause respiratory failure.
Muscular dystrophy
A severe form of myopathy, muscular dystrophy arises from genetic mutations that prevent the production of specific proteins needed for healthy muscle tissue. Muscular dystrophy can lead to severe health complications and disability.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy refers to symptoms caused by pinched nerves. Usually, a nerve becomes impinged by conditions that affect the vertebrae where the nerve root emerges from the spine. Symptoms of radiculopathy include sharp, shooting pain, numbness and tingling, and muscle weakness.
How are neuromuscular diseases diagnosed?
To accurately diagnose neuromuscular disease, the skilled team at Memphis Neurology performs a comprehensive neurological examination. During your exam, your provider checks your reflexes, observes the way you walk and move, and asks you questions about your symptoms.
Your provider may also conduct a nerve conduction study. This test, which monitors the speed at which electrical impulses travel along your neurons, can help determine the exact cause of your neuromuscular symptoms.
Which treatments can address neuromuscular disease?
Memphis Neurology designs custom treatment plans based on the type of neuromuscular condition you have and other individual factors. Your treatment plan may include:
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Prescription medications
- Nerve blocks
- Therapeutic Botox® injections
- Addressing underlying health conditions
- EMG/NCV testing
To schedule an evaluation for neuromuscular disease at Memphis Neurology, call the nearest location or book an appointment online today.
