Common Symptoms Of Neuromuscular Diseases

Problems Breathing

Breathing takes place in two steps: inhalation and exhalation. Inhalation and exhalation are performed when the individual's thoracic cavity expands and relaxes. The muscles involved in breathing that move the thoracic cavity are the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. There are additional muscles in the area that are referred to as accessory muscles that assist the intercostal muscles and diaphragm when the individual is engaging in physical activities. An individual who has trouble breathing may be experiencing weakness in one or more of these muscles. Several different neuromuscular diseases can cause an individual to have weak muscles around the body, including those in their upper torso. When the nerves that dictate the actions of the muscles responsible for inhalation and exhalation are not working properly, an affected individual will have problems breathing.

Learn more about the warning signs of neuromuscular diseases now.

Issues With Balance

Balance is an individual's ability to maintain their body's center of mass over its support base. A healthy individual's balance system allows them to interpret orientation with the consideration of gravity, make automatic adjustments in their posture to maintain stability, determine the speed and direction of movement, and see clearly when they are moving. Sensory input from touch, sight, spatial orientation, motion, and equilibrium are components that help an individual achieve and maintain their balance. When one or more of these sensorimotor components are disrupted by any mechanism, the affected individual will have problems related to poor balance. Individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases may have damage to nerves critical to their balance, or they may experience weakness with one or more of the muscles in the body that help them keep their balance.