Clinical profiles of neuromuscular disorders: a tertiary hospital experience

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the symptoms and disease-related features of the most common neuromuscular disorders (NMD) to establish an appropriate multidisciplinary approach in a specific field.A total of 46 patients, 26 (56.5%) women and 20 (43.5%) men with a median age of 46.0 (17.0-72.0) years were divided into three groups according to the affected part of the motor unit: Group I (neuronopathy group, n=11), motor neuron diseases; Group II (neuropathy group, n=13), peripheral neuropathies; and Group III (myopathy group, n=22), myopathies. Demographic and clinical features, functional level, muscular strength, balance, dexterity, activities of daily living, functional performance, global cognitive status test scores, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary test results were recorded from patient files.There was a significant difference between the mean ages of Groups II and III (p =0.046). A significant difference was observed in muscle weakness between Groups II and III (p = 0.044). The prevalence of dysarthria and speech disorders was higher in Group III (33.3%) compared to Groups II (10%) and I (12.2%). The summarized mini-mental test scores were significantly lower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p =0.047 and p = 0.034, respectively). The nine-hole peg test scores were significantly longer in Group I than in the other groups (p = 0.034 and 0.038, respectively). In this study, NMD were divided into three main groups, and the most common symptoms and clinical findings were evaluated. Fatigue and muscle weakness were the most common symptoms shared by all groups. The mean age of the disease was lowest in the myopathy group. Dysarthria was most common in the neuropathy group. Cognitive impairment was most common in the neuronopathy group.

Keywords

• neuromuscular diseases
• neuronopathy
• peripheral neuropathy
• myopathy
• clinical features
• experience

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