Neuro motor impairment | Symptoms & Causes | Diagnosis
 


What this section contains?
1. What is Neuro motor impairment?
2. Cause
3. Diagnosis & Tests
4. Prevention & Risk Factors
5. Treatments & Therapies
Neuro motor impairment

What is Neuro motor impairment?

Neuro-motor development involves two parts: Neuron and Motor. Neurons are the cells of the brain which through spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system control the muscles and its function i.e. the movements. This is very much like the puppet master, who in this case is the Brain. Brain through wires (neurons) controls the functioning of the muscles and also guiding the movements of the body (puppet).

  • Puppet master = Brain
  • Spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system = wires from the brain
  • Muscles = learn and can perform mature function provided the puppet master pulls the correct wires.
  • Correct information must go to the puppet master from the periphery, as the position and movement of the limbs of the puppet.

Cause

Motor disorders are disorders of the nervous system that cause abnormal and involuntary movements. They can result from damage to the motor system.

Motor disorders are defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Diagnosis & Tests

Doctors often find it difficult to diagnose Neuro Motor Impairment in the early stages as it can resemble other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

If a doctor suspects someone has Neuro Motor Impairment, they will refer them to a neurologist, who will take a medical history, do a thorough examination, and may suggest other tests, such as:

  • Blood and urine tests: These can help a doctor rule out other conditions and detect any rise in creatinine kinase, a substance that muscles produce when they break down.
  • MRI brain scan: An MRI cannot detect an Neuro Motor Impairment, but it can help rule out other conditions, such as stroke, brain tumor, or unusual brain structures.
  • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS): An EMG tests the amount of electrical activity within muscles, while a NCS tests the speed at which electricity moves through muscles.
  • Spinal tap, or lumbar puncture: A doctor will look for changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It can help rule out other conditions.
  • Muscle biopsy: This can help detect or rule out a muscle disease.

The doctor will normally monitor the individual for some time after the tests before confirming that they have Neuro Motor Impairment.

Prevention & Risk Factors

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains.
  • Reach for nonfat or lowfat dairy products.
  • Substitute tomato sauces for heavy, cream sauces.
  • Cut back on fats and sweets.
  • Buy lean meat.
  • Remove the skin from poultry.
  • Avoid fried foods and fast foods.
  • Cook soup and stew in advance.

Treatments & Therapies

There is no cure for Neuro Motor Impairment, but treatment may slow progression and maximize the individual's independence and comfort.
Techniques include the use of supportive devices and physical therapy.

The correct choice will depend on factors such as:

  • the type of Neuro Motor Impairment a person has
  • the type and severity of symptoms
  • personal choice
  • the availability and affordability of drugs