Evaluation and management of dyspnea as the dominant presenting feature in neuromuscular disorders.
Muscle Nerve
; 70(5): 916-928, 2024 Nov.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39267292
ABSTRACT
Dyspnea is a common symptom in neuromuscular disorders and, although multifactorial, it is usually due to respiratory muscle involvement, associated musculoskeletal changes such as scoliosis or, in certain neuromuscular conditions, cardiomyopathy. Clinical history can elicit symptoms such as orthopnea, trepopnea, sleep disruption, dysphagia, weak cough, and difficulty with secretion clearance. The examination is essential to assist with the diagnosis of an underlying neurologic disorder and determine whether dyspnea is from a cardiac or pulmonary origin. Specific attention should be given to possible muscle loss, use of accessory muscles of breathing, difficulty with neck flexion/extension, presence of thoraco-abdominal paradox, conversational dyspnea, cardiac examination, and should include a detailed neurological examination directed at the suspected differential diagnosis. Pulmonary function testing including sitting and supine spirometry, measures of inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, cough peak flow, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, pulse oximetry, transcutaneous CO2, and arterial blood gases will help determine the extent of the respiratory muscle involvement, assess for hypercapnic or hypoxemic respiratory failure, and qualify the patient for noninvasive ventilation when appropriate. Additional testing includes dynamic imaging with sniff fluoroscopy or diaphragm ultrasound, and diaphragm electromyography. Polysomnography is indicated for sleep related symptoms that are not otherwise explained. Noninvasive ventilation alleviates dyspnea and nocturnal symptoms, improves quality of life, and prolongs survival. Therapy targeted at neuromuscular disorders may help control the disease or favorably modify its course. For patients who have difficulty with secretion clearance, support of expiratory function with mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, oscillatory devices can reduce the aspiration risk.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Disnea
/
Enfermedades Neuromusculares
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Muscle Nerve
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos