Abstract
Neuromuscular emergencies may be defined as disorders or exacerbation of diseases
of the peripheral nervous system that are rapidly progressive and potentially life-threatening.
Such disorders can affect any level of the peripheral nervous system, from the muscle
to the anterior horn cell. While their clinical manifestations may vary, severe morbidity
and mortality is most frequently the result of neuromuscular respiratory failure.
Some disorders, such as Guillain–Barré syndrome, provide the additional threat of
severe, and potentially irreversible, nerve loss. Others, such as rhabdomyolysis and
malignant hyperthermia, may produce serious medical complications. This article reviews
neuromuscular emergencies by localization in the peripheral nervous system of the
underlying disorder, as well as the identification and management of neuromuscular
respiratory failure.
Keywords
neuromuscular emergencies - myasthenia gravis - Guillain–Barré syndrome - tetanus
- botulism
