Neuromuscular Conditions Chapter (Faculty180)

cited authors

  • Malaiyandi, Deepa; Zivkovic, Sasa A

description

  • <span>Neuromuscular disorders in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting may manifest as (a) an exacerbation of a previously known neuromuscular disorder, (b) a new onset of a previously undiagnosed neuromuscular disorder, or (c) a neuromuscular complication of a critical illness. Examination limitations, complex comorbidities, and technical difficulties associated with electrodiagnostic testing in an ICU setting also create unique challenges during evaluation of patients with possible neuromuscular disorders. Respiratory failure may occur as an initial sign of an underlying neuromuscular disorder, as a chronic respiratory insufficiency, or as an inability to wean the patient from mechanical ventilation. Respiratory function is often closely related to dysphagia, which may also lead to aspiration and sudden worsening of respiratory function. In addition to weakness, progressive cardiomyopathy associated with myopathies can precipitate cardiac failure and arrhythmias and even necessitate heart transplantation. This chapter reviews clinical manifestations of neuromuscular disorders in the ICU.</span>

authors

publication date

  • 2018

publisher

published in

start page

  • 131

end page

  • 141