Neuromuscular diseases

There are many different types of neuromuscular disease (NMDs) affecting different muscles. They are usually progressive conditions so the affected muscles get weaker as time goes on. NMDs can affect anyone although some forms are more prevalent in some groups (Duchenne muscular dystrophy nearly always affects boys for example).

Usually, NMDs affect mobility although some forms are much more severe than others. In recent years, a great deal of research has been undertaken to distinguish between the different forms of NMDs caused by different genetic mutations. An excellent resource of information about different forms of NMD can be found on the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's website.

Globally, NMDs can be regarded as 4 major groups of diseases, based on the clinical aspects and the tissues first affected which include:

• Duchenne / Becker Muscular Dystrophies (DMD/BMD)
   
• Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies (LGMD)
   
• Congenital Muscular Dystrophies (CMD)

 and the hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)

Together, they represent approximately 80% of all patients living with inherited NMDs.