Question Title: Can Neuromuscular Problems cause Heart Attack or Peripherial Neuropathies

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Autonomic

Posted by CCF MD mdf on March 16, 1998 at 13:08:50:

In Reply to: Can Neuromuscular Problems cause Heart Attack or Peripherial Neuropathies posted by cindy on March 14, 1998 at 20:02:41:

:
Can Neuromuscular problems cause heart problems? If so, what kind of heart problems. Can neuromuscular problems be a contributing factor for stroke? Can neuromuscular problems cause Atrial Fib.? Can neuromuscular problems cause tachycardia? Can Neuromuscular problems cause Peripheral neuropathies? I am not speaking about disease such as myopathies. I asking about disc framents that can not be removed from the spinal cord.

Can incomplete spinal cord decompressions cause these maladies?

Would a halo vest relieve the pressure on Cervical Cord so that you can ward off damage and prevent peripherial neuropathy or autonomic neuropathy?

Would a TLSO brace help to prevent further damage if the calacified disc fragments can not be removed?

If neuromuscular problems can not be surgically treated, are there other treatments that could be used preventatively to prevent any of the above?

What can I do to prevent Lower Motor Neuron Damage when I already have Upper Motor Neuron Damage or does Lower Motor Neuron Damage always occur after Upper Motor Neuron Damage? How soon before you get Lower Motor Neuron Damage?

Thank you.

Thank you!

=

You have posed several complicated questions. In the absence of a specific historical account and complete neurologic examination, it will be impossible to give you a complete answer. Nevertheless, some components of your questions can be answered here.

Sometimes certain myopathies (intrinsic muscle diseases) may be associated with cardiomyopathies (that is, involvement of the heart muscle by a related problem). However, you excluded that in your question. Also, impairment of the autonomic nervous system as part of a widespread neuropathy may predispose to arrhythmias. However, I am not aware that coronary vascular disease is correlated with any neuropathy or myopathy.

Spinal cord damage may arise from mechanical compression (as from vertebral fractures, degenerative disc disease, etc). Damage to the spinal cord per se is usually termed myelopathy, and is distinctly different than damage to the nerve roots (radiculopathy) which may also occur with the same mechanical problems. In myelopathy, the damage is to the "upper" motor neuron, and in radiculopathy the damage is to the "lower" motor neuron.

I am unaware of a connection between degenerative disc disease and heart disease. Further, it does not necessarily follow that if you have upper motor neuron damage that you would get lower motor neuron damage (though it depends on the specific problem).

The remainder of your questions related to halo vest, TLSO brace, surgical vs medical treatment: I am unable to provide you with an answer in the proper context without formal evaluation. If you have not been seen by a neurologist, I think you should seek such consultation and ask those questions directly to your doctor so the answers may apply to your specific situation. You are always welcome to call 800 223 2273 and ask for neurology appointments to set up such a visit.

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