Management of Common Neuromuscular Disorders, 3rd Edition

Course overview

Owing to the complexity of the physiologic processes involved in the interactions of the nervous and muscular systems, neuromuscular disorders can present a vast array of debilitating pathophysiologic changes across all body systems. However, of primary concern for the respiratory therapist is the profound impact of these pathophysiologic changes on the nerves and muscles that regulate the mechanics of breathing. Most often, individuals who suffer from neuromuscular disorders lose the ability to maintain adequate alveolar ventilation. Although healthcare literature surrounding neuromuscular disorders is robust, a gap remains within the respiratory care profession as a whole, resulting in a misunderstanding about variations in the impact of neuromuscular diseases on ventilatory status and effective monitoring of patients for impending ventilatory failure. The purpose of this intermediate-level review course is to provide respiratory therapists with an overview of the definition, etiology, pathophysiology, and management of common neuromuscular disorders.