Naranpura · Bopal · Online GMC Reg. G-38044

Muscle & Neuromuscular Disease Treatment in Ahmedabad

Understand neuromuscular disease

How nerves and muscles work — step by step

A simple, step-by-step look at how nerves move muscles, where neuromuscular diseases can affect this chain and how they are assessed and treated.

Step 1 / 8

How muscles move From spinal cord to muscle
How nerves control muscles, where neuromuscular diseases can affect this chain, and how they are assessed and treated, shown in 8 steps Spinal cord Nerve Muscle Nerve cell in spinal cord Nerve carries the signal Nerve–muscle junction Muscle contracts A chain of four links Chemical messenger released Muscle gets the message The muscle then contracts Nerve cells or nerves e.g. motor neuron disease (MND/ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Nerve–muscle junction Tires quickly with use e.g. myasthenia gravis The muscle itself e.g. myopathy, muscular dystrophy, myositis Weakness in arms or legs Difficulty climbing stairs Tiring quickly Cramps or twitching Muscle thinning Trouble breathing or swallowing: go to the emergency at once NCS / EMG NCS / EMG CK and other blood tests Genetic tests / biopsy Only when needed Medicines for treatable types Physiotherapy Breathing and swallowing help Regular follow-up
To move a muscle, a signal travels from nerve cells in the spinal cord, along a nerve, to the muscle.

How muscles move

Where the problem can be

Care

What it is

What are neuromuscular diseases?

Neuromuscular diseases affect the nerves, the junction between nerve and muscle, or the muscles themselves. The main symptom is usually weakness, which may be slow or come on more quickly.

They include myopathies (muscle diseases), muscular dystrophies (inherited muscle conditions), myasthenia gravis, motor neuron disease (MND/ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Some are treatable; others need long-term supportive care.

Common neuromuscular conditions

  • Muscular dystrophy

    Inherited conditions in which the muscles slowly become weaker. Some types start in childhood.

  • Myasthenia gravis

    The immune system affects the nerve–muscle junction. Muscles tire with use and improve with rest; drooping eyelids or double vision are common.

  • Myositis

    The immune system causes inflammation in the muscles, leading to weakness. Medicines are used to control it.

  • Motor neuron disease

    The nerve cells that control the muscles slowly stop working. Care focuses on movement, breathing, swallowing and nutrition.

Common symptoms

Signs you may notice

Symptoms differ from person to person. You may notice one or more of these.

  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
  • Muscle wasting or thinning
  • Muscle cramps, twitching or pain
  • Drooping eyelids or double vision
  • Tiring quickly with activity
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking

Not sure if this is what you have? Talk to Dr. Mehta

When to see a neurologist

When to book a consultation

Book a visit if

  1. 01If you have weakness that is getting worse
  2. 02If you have difficulty climbing stairs or lifting the arms
  3. 03If you have muscle wasting or twitching
  4. 04If there is a family history of muscle disease
  5. 05If a child has delayed walking or frequent falls
Book Appointment

Go to the nearest emergency now if:

  • There is difficulty breathing
  • There is difficulty swallowing or choking
  • Weakness worsens quickly over hours or days

Causes and risk factors

Why it happens

Knowing the cause helps choose the right treatment and lower the chance of it happening again.

  • Inherited (genetic) conditions
  • Immune system attacking muscles or nerve-muscle junction
  • Thyroid and other hormone problems
  • Side effects of some medicines, such as statins
  • Low potassium, vitamin D or other deficiencies
  • In some conditions the cause is not known

How it is diagnosed

Finding the cause

Tests help confirm the type of condition, and genetic counselling may be advised for inherited conditions.

Bring to your first visit

It helps Dr. Mehta find the cause faster

  • Previous reports, scans and prescriptions
  • A list of the medicines you take now
  • A phone video of the symptoms, if possible
  • A family member who has seen the symptoms
  1. History and examination

    Dr. Mehta examines which muscles are weak and how.

  2. NCS / EMG

    Shows whether nerves or muscles are affected.

  3. Blood tests

    CK enzyme, thyroid, antibodies and others.

  4. Genetic tests / biopsy

    When an inherited condition is suspected.

How it is treated

Treatment and follow-up

Treatment is planned for each person and reviewed at every visit — step by step, with each option explained clearly.

  1. Step 01

    Specific treatment

    For treatable conditions such as myasthenia or inflammatory myopathy, medicines that control the disease.

  2. Step 02

    Physiotherapy

    Exercises to maintain strength, movement and prevent stiffness.

Reviewed at
every follow-up

  1. Step 03

    Supportive care

    Help with breathing, swallowing, nutrition and mobility aids when needed.

  2. Step 04

    Regular follow-up

    Monitoring of strength, breathing and heart function where relevant.

Never stop or change medicines on your own — ask Dr. Mehta first.

Book Appointment

Living with the condition

Everyday care

  1. Tip 01

    Stay active within your limits — avoid over-exertion

  2. Tip 02

    Follow the exercise plan given by your physiotherapist

  3. Tip 03

    Eat a balanced diet and keep a healthy weight

  4. Tip 04

    Get vaccinations as advised to prevent chest infections

  5. Tip 05

    Use mobility aids when needed to stay safe

In children

In children

Some neuromuscular conditions, such as muscular dystrophy and SMA, start in childhood. Signs include delayed walking, frequent falls, difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from the floor.

With an MD in Paediatrics and a DrNB in Neurology, Dr. Mehta sees children as well as adults, and guides parents through tests, treatment and school life.

MD (Paediatrics) DrNB (Neurology)
About Child Neurology

Get your child checked if you notice

  • Delayed walking
  • Frequent falls
  • Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from the floor
Book a child consultation

Where to consult

Consult in Ahmedabad or online

Three clinics in Ahmedabad, visiting clinics on fixed days, or consult by video from home. All clinics

  • Ahmedabad · Naranpura

    Solar Hospital

    Binali-B, Opp. Torrent Power Office, Naranpura, Ahmedabad – 380013

  • Ahmedabad · Navrangpura

    Aartham Multi Super Speciality Hospital

    16, Dr Vikram Sarabhai Marg, near Panjarapole Cross Road, L Colony, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad – 380015

  • Ahmedabad · Bopal

    Lilavati Clinic & Wellness

    Shaligram Corporates, B/h Dishman Corporate House, C.J. Road, Ambli, Ahmedabad – 380058

  • From home · Anywhere

    Online / Video Consultation

    Useful for follow-up visits and report reviews.

Visiting clinicsBavlaCare Hospital · Every Monday, 3 – 5 pmMansaYash Multispeciality Hospital · Every Thursday, 11 am – 1 pmSumerpurDr. Deval Patel Hospital · 4th Sunday of the month

FAQ

Questions about neuromuscular diseases

Still have a question?

Call or WhatsApp the clinic team — they will help you book the right visit.

No. Some are inherited, but others are caused by immune problems, hormones or medicines.

It depends on the cause. Some conditions respond well to treatment; others are managed with therapy and support.

EMG records the electrical activity of muscles using a fine needle. It helps tell whether a problem is in the nerves or muscles.

Gentle, guided exercise is usually helpful. Very heavy exercise should be avoided in some conditions. Ask Dr. Mehta.

For inherited conditions, genetic counselling and testing of family members may be advised.

Dr. Rohan Mehta

Consultant Neurologist · Adult & Child

Appointments

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