Therapeutic options for neuromuscular diseases

The most important aspect of optimizing therapy for neuromuscular disease is establishing a definitive diagnosis. The first step in this process is to make a correct neuroanatomic diagnosis. After this, histopathologic assessment of muscle and nerve specimens can provide a definitive etiology. Even when an etiology is not identified, muscle and nerve biopsy samples can help to define therapy. A thorough knowledge of the mechanism of action and side effects of various therapeutics is essential in outlining a course of therapy. In the future, clinical investigation may help to define more rational approaches to therapy for neuromuscular disease.