Neuromuscular disorders in critical illness

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Neurology
• Intensive care unit (ICU) management

Background:

• Neuromuscular disorders are frequently underdiagnosed in critically ill patients.
• Standardized screening for weakness in the ICU is uncommon.
• Physicians often prioritize survival over recognizing persistent weakness post-critical illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the spectrum of neuromuscular disorders in critical illness.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing neuromuscular sequelae of critical care.
• To provide an update on neuromuscular disorders in the ICU setting.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical practice regarding neuromuscular disorders in critical illness.
• Focus on disorders associated with diffuse and severe weakness.
• Discussion of the range of conditions from nerve entrapment to severe myopathy/neuropathy.

Main Results:

• Neuromuscular disorders present a wide spectrum, from focal weakness to severe, prolonged generalized weakness.
• Disuse muscle atrophy is a common finding.
• Severe myopathy and neuropathy are significant complications in the ICU.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for increased awareness and standardized screening for neuromuscular disorders in the ICU.
• Recognizing these disorders is essential for improving long-term recovery and function in survivors of critical illness.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of ICU-acquired neuromuscular weakness can mitigate long-term disability.