| Home | Stay Healthy | For Healthcare Professionals | News | Calendar | Site Index | Contact Us |
| Find a Physician | Shands at UF Healthcare Services | For Patients & Public | Giving | Careers |
| Neuromuscular Disorders
A multidisciplinary team of specialists at Shands at UF is dedicated to providing the latest treatments for neuromuscular disorders including:
About Neuromuscular DisordersNeuromuscular disorders affect the nerves that control the voluntary muscles, including those found in the arms and legs. Nerve cells, called neurons, send messages that control these muscles. When the neurons become unhealthy or die, communication between the nervous system and the muscles breaks down. Over time, the muscles weaken and waste away. This weakness can lead to twitching, cramps, aches and pains and joint and movement problems. It also can affect the heart and the ability to breathe. Many neuromuscular diseases are genetic. Sometimes an immune system disorder can cause them. Most of them have no cure, though advances in treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life. At Shands at UF, our multidisciplinary team of UF specialists has particular expertise in diagnosing and treating these neuromuscular disorders: Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nervous system. This vast communications network transmits information from the central nervous system out to every other part of the body. Peripheral nerves send sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord; for example, a message that the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Like static on a telephone line, peripheral neuropathy distorts and sometimes interrupts messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Because every peripheral nerve has a highly specialized function in a specific part of the body, a wide array of symptoms can occur when nerves are damaged. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
Myopathies are neuromuscular disorders in which the primary symptom is muscle weakness due to dysfunction of muscle fiber. In addition to muscle weakness, symptoms can include muscle cramps, stiffness and spasm. Some myopathies (including muscular dystropy) are inherited, while others may be the result of an immune system problem. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the voluntary muscles. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking and swallowing are often involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected. TreatmentBecause of their research expertise and clinical experience working with many people who have neuromuscular disorders, UF neurologists at Shands at UF can diagnose symptoms and recommend appropriate therapies. Information on clinical trials being conducted is also available. Visit the clinical trials page to learn more. InformationFor more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Shands HealthCare Consultation Center at (800) 749-7424 or (352) 265-8000. |
Neurological ServicesGeneral NeurologyMemory DisordersMovement DisordersNeuromuscular DisordersEpilepsy and Seizure DisordersMultiple SclerosisStroke ServicesClinical TrialsMultimedia Resources and LinksMake an AppointmentTo make an appointment or find out more information about neurology services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424 You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form. |
