Immune Mediated Neuromuscular Diseases

Neuromuscular medicine is constantly advancing in terms of accurate diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment. Many disorders that have been discovered within this field are either autoimmune or genetic. This publication provides the latest updates of the more common and treatable autoimmune neuromuscular diseases affecting the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction and muscles. The authors, renowned experts in the field, offer clinical presentations as well as the best diagnostic and treatment approach to the readers. The chapters are dealing with acute and chronic neuropathies, nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy, dysimmune neuropathy and autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. Further, disorders such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and stiff person syndrome are discussed.Providing an excellent source of up-to-date information, this publication is highly recommended not only to neurologists, but also to internists, rheumatologists, allergists and immunologists.

The neuromuscular diseases comprise the disorders of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, and muscle. Both pre and post-synaptic elements of the neuromuscular junction may become targets of autoimmune attack in different diseases. This book addresses the immunologically mediated neuromuscular diseases, including Guillain--Barré syndrome and other autoimmune neuropathies, the Lambert--Eaton myasthenic syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and the autoimmune diseases of muscle. Two chapters are devoted to the vasculitic and HIV-mediated neuromuscular diseases. The experimental models of neuritis and myasthenia gravis are addressed in separate chapters. An introductory chapter provides a general background to autoimmunity. This book is a useful overview for all neurologists, rheumatologists and immunologists both in research and clinical practice.

This book provides state of the art information on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of inflammatory, autoimmune, and idiopathic neuromuscular disorders. The opening section discusses the differential diagnosis of acquired myopathies based on clinical, electrophysiological, muscle biopsy, and serological criteria, with special focus on the role of electromyography and antibody testing. Each of the relevant clinical entities is then discussed in detail, the coverage including, for example, myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, immune-mediated neuropathies, multifocal motor neuropathies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, paraneoplastic neuropathies, and diabetic polyneuropathy. Clear guidance is provided on currently available treatments, with descriptions of the latest advances in physiotherapy, drug therapy, and respiratory care. Other features of this clinically oriented book are the inclusion of many illustrative case presentations and contributions by international authors from leading centers.

Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis provides extensive information regarding Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis (PM/DM), which is described as a heterogeneous disease complex. This book is divided into four sections: Part I (Clinical Features) covers the classification of PM/DM, details of the clinical presentation, and the disease's association with the other connective tissue disorders and malignancies. Part II (Etiology and Mechanisms) covers advances in the immunopathology and viral etiology of PM/DM along with a frequently recognized entity: inclusion body myositis. Part III (Diagnosis and Treatment) covers the histologic, muscle enzyme histochemical, electron microscopic, and resin histology features of PM/DM along with those electromyographic features that could help make a more accurate diagnosis. Part IV (Overview) summarizes the issues that may not have been clear and highlights differing and unsettled views or present available data. This text is directed to clinicians in private practice or in academic institutions concerned with PM/DM patients, including neurologists, rheumatologists, pediatricians, dermatologists, physiatrists, and neuromuscular investigators. This book is intended as well for neuromuscular pathologists who interpret muscle biopsy specimens and electromyographers who perform EMG studies to help determine the clinical diagnosis. Researchers in immunology and immunopathology of neuromuscular diseases will find discussions in this book invaluable.

This new two-volume reference offers a practical approach to diseases of the muscle, neuro-muscular junction, and spinal cord. Volume I emphasises the pathophysiology of neuromuscular disease and its assessment using electrophysiological and radiological tools. Volume II focuses on the application of electrophysiological testing to the diagnosis and management of specific neuromuscular disorders. Edited by three respected experts, this essential resource also explores HIV, clinical trials, and neuromuscular disorders in critical care and the operating room. Integrates all the guidance needed to diagnose and manage the full range of neuromuscular diseases. Enhances the reader's ability to take neuromuscular histories, perform physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory tests, make effective management decisions and offer patients an accurate prognosis. Discusses new advances in electrophysiologic tests as well as genetic testing and the use of MRI to localize and diagnose neuromuscular conditions. Examines new management techniques such as the use of immunosuppressive drugs to treat Guillain-Barré syndrome, immune mediated peripheral neuropathy, myasthenia gravis and more. Features coverage of important topics such as HIV, clinical trials and neuromuscular disorders in critical care and the operating room. Details both adult and paediatric neuromuscular disorders. Reviews the basic science and genetics practicing physicians need to care effectively for their patients.

This authoritative clinical text provides you with practical approaches to the diagnosis and therapy of neuromuscular diseases. Written by leading neuromuscular specialists, this book offers you expert opinions on how to manage a wide range of neuromuscular disorders.

Rewritten and redesigned, this remains the one essential text on the diseases of skeletal muscle.

A comprehensive survey of best practice in using diagnostic imaging in acute neurologic conditions. The symptom-based approach guides the choice of the available imaging tools for efficient, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis. Effective examination algorithms integrate neurological and imaging concepts with the practical demands and constraints of emergency care.