Recognition and Management of Neuromuscular Emergencies

Abstract

Acute neuromuscular disorders represent an important subset of neurologic consultation requests in the inpatient setting. Although most neuromuscular disorders are subacute to chronic, hospital-based neurologists encounter neuromuscular disorders presenting with rapidly progressive or severe weakness affecting limb movement, respiratory, and bulbar function. Recalling fundamentals of neurologic localization assists in prompt recognition and diagnosis. Despite the differing localizations and the causal diagnoses, the initial management principles of acute myopathies, neuropathies, and neuromuscular junction disorders are similar.