Neuromuscular scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally due to neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida. It can cause mobility problems, pain, and breathing difficulties. Treatment depends on the severity of the curvature and can include regular monitoring, braces, and surgery.
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally. The condition is classified as neuromuscular scoliosis when it is caused by a neuromuscular disease. With this type of scoliosis, the spine curves laterally or sideways, in a C or S shape. Patients may develop mild curvature or progressively more severe curvature.
There are many neuromuscular diseases that can cause this condition. Poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy can cause curvature of the spine. It can also be caused by spinal muscular atrophy and spina bifida. These neuromuscular conditions can result in muscle weakness, inadequate muscle control, and paralysis that can contribute to a spinal curvature.
Moderate to severe cases of neuromuscular scoliosis can cause further complications. Patients may have mobility problems and experience pain when sitting. They can be confined to a specially modified wheelchair. Sufferers of this condition may also experience difficulty breathing, as well as damage to the lungs and heart. These can occur if the spine presses the rib cage against the heart and lungs.
Some possible symptoms of neuromuscular scoliosis include back pain and fatigue after standing or sitting for a long time. The pelvis may also appear to be tilted. Uneven shoulders can also be observed. One shoulder may appear higher than the other. The patient’s hips may also appear uneven.
An initial screening for scoliosis is often a physical exam that can indicate a possible curvature of the spine. X-rays are usually needed to confirm this. A doctor may also order scoliometric screening, which is a method used to measure the degree of curvature.
Treatment of neuromuscular scoliosis generally depends on the severity of the curvature, whether there are any complications, and the patient’s age. Children with scoliosis may develop worsening curves, as their bones are still growing. The severity of these curves also tends to be worse in female patients.
Mild cases of spinal curvature may not need to be treated. The patient may need regular tests to monitor the progression of the condition. Often, a doctor may recommend the use of a brace if you have mild to moderate scoliosis. This can help slow the progression of the curve, but is generally less effective in cases of neuromuscular scoliosis than in other types of disorders.
The decision to have surgery to correct spinal curvature is typically based on the degree of curvature, the progression of the curvature, and the extent to which the condition interferes with the patient’s daily life. Surgery cannot completely correct the condition, however, it can alleviate it. Procedures for scoliosis usually involve fusing certain bones together. Occasionally, the patient may need to undergo a second spinal fusion surgery.
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