What Are Autoimmune Neuromuscular Disorders?
Autoimmune neuromuscular conditions impair muscle function by disrupting their communication with nerves. This occurs because the immune system, which normally protects your body from foreign substances, attacks and destroys the cells of the nervous system by mistake. This can lead to muscle weakness and mobility problems.
Some of the most common autoimmune neuromuscular disorders are:
Symptoms of Autoimmune Neuromuscular Diseases
Symptoms of neuromuscular diseases may appear in early childhood or even infancy and progress over time. Some common symptoms of these conditions include:
- Muscle loss
- Muscle spasticity
- Muscular cramps
- Movement issues
- Muscle weakness
- Balance problems
- Breathing difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties
- Double vision and droopy eyelids
- Numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
Condition-specific symptoms determine the ultimate course of neuromuscular disease treatment. For instance, myasthenia gravis is accompanied by facial weakness and a hoarse voice apart from the other symptoms.
Treatments for Neuromuscular Conditions
There are no cures for autoimmune neuromuscular diseases. But treatments are available for managing their symptoms and improving mobility. Below are some of the most common treatments for autoimmune neuromuscular conditions:
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are often used to treat autoimmune neuromuscular conditions. They work by suppressing the immune system. This makes the immune system produce fewer antibodies that attack healthy cells. While very effective, steroids have many side effects. Their adverse effects have limited their use.
IVIG
A safer autoimmune neuromuscular disease treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG is a sterilized solution with antibodies taken from the plasma of healthy blood donors. These antibodies are infused into the bloodstream to regulate an overactive immune system. You can receive IVIG at home in two to four hours and see an improvement in your symptoms.
Plasmapheresis
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) is another treatment for autoimmune neuromuscular diseases. It involves the exchange of plasma to remove harmful antibodies that are attacking your cells and organs. Immunosuppressant drugs may accompany this form of therapy to increase its efficacy.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an inseparable part of neuromuscular disease treatment. It involves activities like stretching, resistance training, and aerobic endurance to optimize your physical ability. Physical therapy helps improve muscular strength, balance, coordination, and overall mobility.
Treat Neuromuscular Disease at Home With AmeriPharma Specialty Care
If you need IVIG therapy for your autoimmune neuromuscular disease, AmeriPharma Specialty Care can help. We are a URAC-accredited specialty pharmacy that provides home infusion therapies to individuals suffering from complex illnesses. We service 35+ U.S. states and provide 24/7/365 support.
Our full-service coordination includes insurance approvals and copay assistance to help you reduce your treatment costs. Our expert team of nurses, pharmacists, and support staff will guide you every step of the way until you receive your treatment. Contact us now to receive the most comprehensive at-home care.