Neuromuscular Diseases

 

Here at RQS, we provide care and service to a wide variety of patients.  We have a wealth of experience providing care to patients with Neuromuscular Disease.  There are many different types of Neuromuscular Disease for which we can provide patient support.  The list below includes some information about a few of these diseases.

 

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)-  ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease that requires specialized care.  A diagnosis of ALS is provided by a neurologist specializing in the disease.  As the disease progresses, patients experience difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.  Eventually, patients will not be able to move or breathe on their own.  We can provide support for patients experiencing problems breathing due to this disease.  Although there is no known cure for ALS, supportive therapy can improve quality of life for many people.  To learn more about ALS, you can visit the ALSA and MDA websites.

 

Muscular Dystrophy (MD) – Muscular Dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that is characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement.  The most common forms of Muscular Dystrophy are Duchenne MD and Becker MD.  Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder that usually begins in early childhood.   At some point, patients with MD may develop problems with their breathing during the day and night.  We can provide the equipment and service necessary to help patients breathe better and have a better quality of life.  There is no known cure for Muscular Dystrophy.  However, supportive care can help some patients live well in to adulthood.  The MDA has a great website where you can learn more about Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Post-Polio Syndrome – Poliomyelitis, or polio, is an infectious disease caused by the polio virus.  About 1% of people infected with the polio virus became paralyzed and required ventilation with an Iron Lung.  Since the 1950s, polio has been largely controlled through vaccination.  Between 25% and 50% of patients that originally survived poliomyelitis will develop post-polio syndrome (PPS).  PPS is a recurrence of the disease that occurs many years after the original infection and there is no cure.   In severe cases, complete paralysis can occur that will impair the patient’s ability to breathe and maintain their airway.  We can provide the equipment and service to help patients with PPS who experience these problems.

 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) -   SMA is a disease caused by a genetic defect that leads to system wide muscle wasting.  SMA manifests is various degrees of severity which all have in common progressive muscle wasting and impaired mobility.  In most cases of early onset (Type I and Type II ) SMA, respiratory support with a mechanical ventilator is needed.