Science 101:  Muscle - Sanford Burnham Prebys
Science 101 Article

Science 101:  Muscle

AuthorCommunications
Date

November 12, 2024

There are more than 600 types of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) that can affect the function of voluntary muscles due to problems with supporting nerves or the muscles themselves. They can be inherited, caused by a spontaneous gene mutation or by immune system disorders.

The primary consequence is the weakening and wasting away of muscles over time.

These diseases include multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis and myositis. Individually, most are considered to be rare diseases, but as a group, they are not. It’s estimated roughly 250,000 persons in the U.S. have an NMD. Currently, there are no cures for neuromuscular disorders, just treatment of symptoms and delay of disease progression to improve quality of life.


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