Nemaline Myopathy is a congenital, inherited disorder affecting muscle strength and tone and although it is quite rare the symptoms can be debilitating to those who suffer with it. There have been instances where this disorder has developed sporadically however most commonly this condition is genetically inherited.
When examined microscopically the muscle tissue of those people affected with Nemaline Myopathy exhibit rod like protein structures called ‘nemalines’ within the muscle tissue which interfere with the normal mechanism of muscle contraction and lead to muscle weakness or ‘hypotonia’ most frequently within the upper limbs, face and shoulders. Muscles used for respiration and swallowing can also be affected.
Nemaline Myopathy is classified according to four sub-categories; mild, intermediate, severe or adult onset yet the borders between these classifications are indistinct.
Physiotherapy is frequently used for those suffering with Nemaline Myopathy to facilitate maintenance of muscle strength and joint range of movement, whilst working to prevent scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and muscle tightness.
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