Having a neuromuscular condition can impact on lots of different parts of your body, such as your breathing and eating, and so there may be teams and treatments that are used to help manage these and enable you to stay as well as possible.

Respiratory
A referral to a Respiratory Consultant will be made if your neuromuscular condition requires monitoring of how effective your breathing and coughing is. In order to monitor your breathing, you will be requested to periodically have lung function tests and sleep studies.  If any issues are identified they will be discussed with you and options for treatment agreed together.
 
Cardiology
Routine monitoring of your heart function, rate and rhythm is often recommended for neuromuscular conditions, this can include ECG  and/or an Ultra Sound Scan of your heart. Sometimes additional monitoring is required and a referral to a cardiology consultant will be made. They may request further tests and if issues are identified discuss treatment options with you.
 
Orthopaedic
A referral to an orthopaedic surgeon will be made if there are any concerns about your bones and joints and their associated structures that enable movement - e.g. ligaments, tendons, muscle and nerves.  Depending on your neuromuscular condition, this can include checking your spine for scoliosis, your feet for correct positioning and assessing your shoulder's range of movement. Surgery may be used to help manage any issues and support your posture or mobility.
 
Endocrine
A referral to the Endocrine Consultant will be made if there are concerns about your growth, a delay in puberty, your bone density is low or you have been taking steroid medication for a long period of time. They may request further tests and if issues are identified discuss treatment options with you.
 
Gastroenterology
In some neuromuscular conditions the muscles in the face/mouth/jaw/upper airways can be weaker and affect your ability to chew, speak or swallow safely. A referral to a Speech and Language Therapist and/or Dietician will be made if there are concerns about your weight or diet.  A Speech and Language Therapist will meet with you to assess your needs and provide advice on how to manage any muscle weakness and if needed look at aids to communication. The role of the Dietician is to ensure your body is receiving appropriate nutrients to keep the body healthy and treat any dietary/nutritional issues.  This can include too much or too little nutrients, being underweight or overweight and advising on healthy food choices within the constraints of having a neuromuscular condition. Sometimes a referral to a Gastroenterology surgeon maybe required if your weight becomes very low and you are unable to take enough food/nutrients orally.