Muscle System: Common Diseases and Disorders

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Caused by the inability of the body to make dystrophin (a muscle protein). This causes general atrophy and weakening of muscles.

Cerebral Palsy

Caused by an interruption to the normal development of a person’s brain leading to weakness with muscles..

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

pain, numbness or weakness of the hand that caused by a pressure in the median nerve.

Paralysis

the loss of strength and control of the muscles in parts of the body.

Paresis

a partial paralysis wherein there is still some control of the muscles

Paraplegia

paralysis that affects both legs and lower part of the body.

Quadriplegia

affects both arms, both legs and sometimes from the neck down

Hemiplegia

affects one side of the body. For example, the arm and leg on the same side of the body

Sprain

An injury to a joint whereby a ligament is stretched or torn

Strain

An injury to a muscle whereby a tendon is stretched or torn

Electromyography (EMG)

Procedure that assesses the function of nerve cells that control muscles. Electrodes, either attached to the skin or inserted into the muscle, allow for the recording of electrical impulses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A test that uses radio frequency waves and a magnetic field to produce clear images that aid in the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.

Range of Motion Testing

diagnostic procedure used to determine the amount of movement around a specific joint