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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients
09:44

Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients

Published on: April 12, 2011

[Neuromuscular abnormalities in critical illness].

R Amaya Villar1, J Garnacho-Montero, M D Rincón Ferrari

  • 1Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío. Sevilla. España. ramayav@wanadoo.es

Medicina Intensiva
|May 2, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Neuromuscular diseases in intensive care units (ICU) are complex. Understanding acquired weakness, like critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP), is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

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Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality
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Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Published on: August 6, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients
09:44

Manual Muscle Testing: A Method of Measuring Extremity Muscle Strength Applied to Critically Ill Patients

Published on: April 12, 2011

Muscle Velocity Recovery Cycles to Examine Muscle Membrane Properties
08:27

Muscle Velocity Recovery Cycles to Examine Muscle Membrane Properties

Published on: February 19, 2020

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality
10:40

Measuring Neuromuscular Junction Functionality

Published on: August 6, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Context:

  • Neuromuscular diseases in intensive care units (ICUs) have evolved.
  • Studies on neuromuscular disorders in critical illness lack clarity in key areas.

Purpose:

  • To review the spectrum of neuromuscular diseases in ICUs.
  • To differentiate primary vs. acquired neuromuscular disorders in critically ill patients.

Summary:

  • Two groups of neuromuscular abnormalities exist: primary (e.g., Guillain-Barré, myasthenia gravis) and acquired in ICU (e.g., critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP)).
  • While CIP is defined, its pathophysiology remains unclear.
  • Neuromuscular junction defects and myopathies also cause acquired weakness in critical illness.

Impact:

  • Improved understanding of neuromuscular disorders can lead to better preventive and therapeutic strategies.
  • Advances may improve the prognosis for critically ill patients with these conditions.