Neuromuscular Center

However, by supporting breathing through respiratory therapy, symptoms can often be alleviated and quality of life improved. This is illustrated below using two examples of specific types of neuromuscular disorders.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that causes muscle weakness due to the degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Depending on the form of the disease, the arms, legs, throat muscles, or primarily the respiratory muscles may be affected. The disease usually progresses slowly or in episodes.

Various symptoms, such as muscle cramps, drooling, and speech and swallowing difficulties, can be alleviated with appropriate treatments. Weakness in the respiratory muscles may manifest as reduced physical performance, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath—especially when lying down—and frequent respiratory infections. Special lung function tests and examinations in a sleep lab are used for the early detection of respiratory muscle weakness. Respiratory support through mask ventilation can significantly alleviate shortness of breath, improve sleep quality, and increase physical performance.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

While ALS usually affects older people, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) manifests itself as early as childhood. DMD is a genetic disorder that affects only males (one in every 3,300 male births), while females are carriers. The disease begins in early childhood with walking difficulties, leads to wheelchair dependence by age 10–14, and results in complete dependence on care and mechanical ventilation by age 18–22. The Department of Pulmonology cares for a growing number of DMD patients, the majority of whom live and receive their education at the Mathilde Escher Home (MEH) in Zurich. Thanks to optimal care and long-term ventilator support, life expectancy for people with DMD has increased significantly in recent years. In a widely acclaimed study, we were able to show that, despite their physical disabilities, DMD patients perceive their quality of life as good and have a strong will to live.

Through optimal interdisciplinary care, complications such as pneumonia, life-threatening bowel obstruction with paralysis of the intestines (ileus), and heart failure can be detected and treated early.

Cooperation

The Department of Neurology and Pulmonology at the University Hospital of Zurich and the Children’s Hospital of Zurich have combined their expertise within the Neuromuscular Center to ensure seamless, comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and care for children and adults with muscle and nerve disorders.

We also maintain close cooperation with the Mathilde Escher Home in Zurich, which specializes in caring for people with progressive muscle diseases.