Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Neuromuscular Medicine

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Neuromuscular Medicine 1. Myopathy vs. Neuropathy One of the most common confusions is between myopathy and neuropathy. While both involve the muscles, myopathy refers to a problem with the muscle tissue itself, whereas neuropathy is a disorder of the nerves that control the muscles. So, it's important to differentiate between the two when evaluating a patient's symptoms. 2. Atrophy vs. Hypertrophy Atrophy and hypertrophy are terms used to describe changes in muscle size. Atrophy refers to the shrinking or wasting of muscles, often due to disuse or a medical condition. On the other hand, hypertrophy is the enlargement of muscles, typically seen with regular exercise or in certain diseases. Understanding these terms helps in assessing muscle strength and function. 3. Paralysis vs. Paresis Paralysis and paresis both involve a loss of muscle function, but they differ in degree. Paralysis refers to a complete loss of muscle movement, whereas paresis indicates partial weakness. These terms are essential in describing the severity of a patient's condition and guiding treatment decisions. 4. Fasciculation vs. Spasm Fasciculations and spasms are abnormal muscle contractions, but they have distinct characteristics. Fasciculations are brief, involuntary twitches of small muscle groups, often seen in conditions like ALS.