Control of voluntary movement is complex as there are so many parts to neuromuscular control, with pathologies arising when there is a deficit in any part.  Thus, diagnosis and management of neuromuscular pathologies requires a team of health care providers.

Throughout this chapter, we have mentioned blood tests and medical imaging – both professions we have covered in chapters.  As neuromuscular control involves electrical messages flowing through nerves and muscles, electroneurophysiology is an important field to help determine where the pathology lies.

Electroneurophysiology

Electroneurophysiology technologists measure the electrical activity of the the CNS:  using an electroencephalography (EEG) for the brain and electromyography for the peripheral nerves. Electroneurophysiology technologists work with the health care team when there is a suspicion of abnormal alterations in  brain electrical activity (e.g. seizures, epilepsy, strokes), spinal cord injuries, or interruptions in conduction of the PNS caused by inflammation, mechanical compression, etc.  The data gathered will help locate the geographic area of the abnormal electrical conduction, and hence, function.

Electroencephalography

Electromyography

Management of Neuromuscular control pathologies

As previously mentioned, many neuromuscular pathologies have no cure.  Thus these conditions can be managed to allow for as much mobility and stability as possible. Prosthetics and Orthotics is a field which helps with mobility and stability, regardless of the cause of their neuromuscular pathology.

An orthotist is a healthcare provider who makes and fits devices (orthoses) for people who need added support for mobility and stability due to injury or disorders in neuromuscular control.  These orthotic devices (e.g. braces, splints) can help distribute the person’s weight  and/or prevent undesirable dropping of limbs due to to a loss of neuromuscular control (e.g. foot drop). Orthoses allow for movement and stability.

A prosthetist is a healthcare provider who makes and fits prostheses (artificial limbs) for those people who have lost a limb due to injury or disease process.  Although none of the pathologies discussed in this chapter involves limb loss, some pathologies – esp diabetic neuropathy – can lead to amputation if the disease is poorly managed.

Prosthetics & Orthotics