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Myopathy vs. Neuromuscular Disorders: Understanding the Differences

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  Both myopathies and neuromuscular disorders involve problems with muscle function, but they differ in their underlying causes and specific manifestations. Myopathies Definition: Myopathies are a group of diseases that directly affect the muscle fibers themselves. Causes: Genetic: Inherited conditions like muscular dystrophy. Acquired: Conditions like inflammatory myopathies (e.g., polymyositis), drug-induced myopathies, and endocrine myopathies. Symptoms: Muscle weakness Muscle pain and tenderness Difficulty with movement Muscle cramps Neuromuscular Disorders Definition: A broader category that encompasses conditions affecting any part of the pathway involved in muscle function, including: Nerves: Conditions like peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis. Neuromuscular Junction: Conditions like myasthenia gravis. Symptoms: Muscle weakness Muscle fatigue Numbness and tingling Loss of reflexes Difficulty with coordination and balance Key Differences Feature Myopathy Neuromusc...

March: Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

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  March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. MS disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body, leading to a wide range of symptoms.   What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? MS is an unpredictable disease that can affect different people in different ways. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective layer that covers nerve fibers. This damage can disrupt the communication between the brain and other parts of the body. Common Symptoms of MS: Fatigue: Often the most common and debilitating symptom. Numbness and Tingling: Can occur in various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, and face. Weakness: Muscle weakness can affect mobility and daily activities. Vision Problems: Blurred vision, double vision, and optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). Balance and Coordination Issu...