Breathing (Pulmonary Neuromuscular) Disorders We Treat

Patients with certain neurologic and musculoskeletal diseases have muscle weakness that affects their mobility, quality of life, and overall health. Among the most serious consequences are associated breathing complications leading to difficulty breathing and even respiratory failure. The Breathing Disorders Program in the Clinical Center for Sleep and Breathing Disorders Center focuses on the comprehensive assessment and management of respiratory insufficiency secondary to neurological and musculoskeletal disorders including the following:

• Chest wall or musculoskeletal deformities
  • Kyphoscoliosis
• Diaphragm disorders
  • Paralyzed diaphragm
• Motor neuron disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Myopathies
  • Congenital and metabolic myopathies, inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Post-polio syndrome
• Spinal cord injury requiring respiratory support