Neuromuscular disorders in the newborn

This article outlines the approach to clinical evaluation of the hypotonic newborn with suspected neuromuscular disease. Specific conditions that affect primarily the anterior horn cell, peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction, and skeletal muscle are reviewed in the context of current understanding of the development of the motor system. Thus, it may be speculated that the distinction between myopathies and neuronal disorders is somewhat artificial. The difficult ethical decision regarding long-term mechanical ventilation for severe neonatal neuromuscular disease is discussed briefly.