Nine years have elapsed since the second edition of this book was published. In this time the principal advances in neuromuscular diseases have been in the application of molecular genetics to understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of this group of disorders. As a result many previously unrecognised disorders have been charac terised. Some clinical syndromes, such as the limb girdle dystrophies, have become better defined. In many such instances the new genetic information has led to major advances in knowledge of the biology of cell structures, for example, the membrane structural and channel proteins. The clinical syndromes themselves, and their patho logical and electrophysiological characteristics, however, remain as important as ever, since they constitute the clinical problem itself and, indeed, the database from which all other concepts emerge. Knowledge of the pathogenesis, genetics, and molecular biology of neuromuscular disorders is essential both in developing and applying new therapies and preventive measures, and in formulating genetic and prognostic advice. However, this informa tion does not necessarily always define clinically useful syndromes. Myotonia, for example, is an electrophysiological finding in some syndromes in which it is un detectable by clinical examination, although the phenomenon itself was originally defined as a clinical entity. The limb girdle muscular dystrophy syndromes can be defined by severity, distribution of weakness, age of onset, sex distribution and other characteristics and many of these can be better understood by study of the under lying defect in cell structural proteins.

This reference on the state-of-the-art of neuromuscular diseases as a whole offers a current review of inherited neuromuscular diseases under different approaches: genetics, pathomechanisms, therapies and treatments.

This atlas offers a comprehensive overview of neuromuscular diseases. It discusses all aspects of neuromuscular disorders, including general tools, the cranial and spinal nerves, the nerve plexus, peripheral nerves, mono- and polyneuropathies, entrapment syndromes, the neuromuscular junction, motor neuron diseases, muscle disease, and autonomic involvement. Each chapter is structured into the following sections: anatomy, symptoms, signs, pathogenesis, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. The diagnostic tools used for neuromuscular disease are explained, and the therapeutic options for each disease are described. This updated third edition includes new chapters addressing a range of topics: from histology to molecular mechanisms, genetic aspects, the mechanisms of emerging new therapies, neuroimaging, neuromuscular disease, and new pathogenic mechanisms. The book aims to be a useful companion for neuromuscular disease. The homogenous structure, illustrations with figures, and representative images makes the atlas easy to read and helpful in understanding neuromuscular problems.

This compilation arises from contributions made to the seventh postgraduate course in paediatric neurology held in Pavia, Italy under the auspices of the Mariani Foundation in co-operation with the National Neurologic Institute of Milan. The course concentrated on three main areas: the impact of molecular biology and molecular genetics on aetiology, advances in our understanding pathogenesis, and finally therapy. The choice of the subject was suggested by the remarkable progress has been made in this field during the last decade, mostly due to the recent advances in genetics which now enable a new nosographic approach as well as different diagnostic strategies. Part of this work is dedicated to the rehabilitation of patients affected by neuromuscular diseases.

Neuromuscular medicine is constantly advancing in terms of accurate diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment. Many disorders that have been discovered within this field are either autoimmune or genetic. This publication provides the latest updates of the more common and treatable autoimmune neuromuscular diseases affecting the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction and muscles. The authors, renowned experts in the field, offer clinical presentations as well as the best diagnostic and treatment approach to the readers. The chapters are dealing with acute and chronic neuropathies, nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy, dysimmune neuropathy and autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. Further, disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and stiff person syndrome are discussed.Providing an excellent source of up-to-date information, this publication is highly recommended not only to neurologists, but also to internists, rheumatologists, allergists and immunologists.

Here is a thoughtful new book for professionals who assist persons afflicted with neuromuscular disorders to help them and their families adapt to lifestyle changes accompanying the onset of these disorders. Health care professionals provide strategies to maintain the psychosocial well-being of children and adults with neuromuscular disorders which, in addition to physical damage, also assault the sense of self and challenge the individual’s ability to move and communicate. Chapters describe the psychosocial aspects of a variety of neuromuscular diseases such as Duchenne and myotonic muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedeich’s ataxia, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The distinctive characteristics of each disease are examined with special attention given to the natural history, treatment, management, and psychosocial issues of the specific disorder. Beyond the clinical and research importance of Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neuromuscular Diseases, it also addresses the anxiety, doubts, and questions felt by patients with chronic progressive disabilities and their families. This helpful guide is unique in the way it features the interaction of professionals in the social services, psychology, religion, and various medical specialties in the care and treatment of these patients. Professionals in all of these disciplines, as well as the patients and families afflicted by these disorders, will benefit from this valuable resource.

Neuromuscular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional: 2011 Edition is a ScholarlyPaper™ that delivers timely, authoritative, and intensively focused information about Neuromuscular Diseases in a compact format. The editors have built Neuromuscular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional: 2011 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Neuromuscular Diseases in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Neuromuscular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional: 2011 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Neuromuscular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional / 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyPaper™ that delivers timely, authoritative, and intensively focused information about Neuromuscular Diseases in a compact format. The editors have built Neuromuscular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional / 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Neuromuscular Diseases in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Neuromuscular Diseases: New Insights for the Healthcare Professional / 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.