Disorders of the Muscular System

Hernia

Internal organ or tissues bulge through a weak area of muscle

Myoclonus

Sudden, involuntary jerking of a mm or group of mm

Singultus

Spasmodic, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm = uncontrolled breathing in of air

Myasthenia Gravis

Chronic, autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness of involuntary mm

Muscular Dystrophy

Disease characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles; different types

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Painful condition of hand and wrist that makes movement very difficult

Sprain

A stretching or tearing of a ligament (connects bone to bone); ankle is most common

Strain

Injury to a muscle or tendon (can be over-stretched or partial / complete tear); back and hamstring most common

Shin Split

Pain along the shinbone; common in runners, dancers, and military recruits

Pathophysiology of Hernia

Straining and muscle weakness allows mm tissue to bulge through mm wall

Pathophysiology of Myoclonis

Neurological disorders or injury renders CNS unable to control mm motor function (fx) OR imbalance of neurotransmitters in brainstem

Pathophysiology of Singultus

Spasms of diaphragm (after eating too fast, irritation of diaphragm, GI or respiratory system) Long Term: Damage to phrenic or vagus nerve; CNS damage

Pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis

Defect in transmission of nerve impulses to muscles; acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) receptors are blocked, damaged or destroyed by antibiodies from the pts immune system so mm control/contraction can't happen (no message from nerve to mm tissue)

Pathophysiology of Muscular Dystrophy

Absence or faulty/decreased dystrophin production by the body (protein that helps maintain mm integrity)

Pathophysiology of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Median Nerve (runs from forearm to palm) becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist due to injury, swelling or thickening of irritated tendons of the the carpal tunnel (a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of your hand. It contains nerve and tendons).

Pathophysiology of Sprain

Sudden twist or blow to body knocks joints out of normal position and stretches or tears the supporting ligaments (connect bones to bones)

Pathophysiology of Strain

Twisting or pulling of a muscle or tendon (acute - improper lifting or recent injury) or (chronic-overuse, as in athletic competitors)

Pathophysiology of Shin Split

Mm, tendons and bone becomes irritated and inflamed from being over-worked (repetitive stress)

S/S of Hernia

Bulge under skin; may or may not flatten when you lay down; discomfort / pain when you cough, sneeze or strain; worse when standing or as the day progresses

S/S of Myoclonus

Mm twitch; jerking; may not have pattern or sequence

S/S of Singultus

Weird noise (premature closure of epiglottis); jerking of torso / chest;

S/S of Myasthenia Gravis

Inability to control mm (eye, eyelids, facial expressions, swallowing); sudden onset; slurred speech, difficulty swallowing; inability to control breathing; unstable/waddling gait, SOB

S/S of Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne: effects boys, cannot walk by 12, need respirator to breath; onset 3-5 years old; Myotonic: adult onset, effects heart, neck (long) and drooping eyelids

S/S of Capral Tunnel Syndrome

Pain, weakness or numbness in hand or wrist; radiating up the arm; tingling during the day and decreased grip strength

S/S of Sprain

Pain, swelling, bruising, instaility, loss of ability to move and functional ability; pt. reports hearing a pop or tearing sound

S/S of Strain

Pain, limited motion, mm spasms, mm weakness; localized swelling, cramping, inflammation, loss of mm function

S/S of Shin Splint

Tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner part of the leg; mild swelling of lower leg.