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Muscle atrophy, or muscle loss, can be caused by nerve damage. This is known as neurogenic atrophy, which occurs when nerves that connect to the muscles are damaged by injury or disease. When these nerves are damaged, they cannot trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and strength. The nerves release acetylcholine (Ach) in response to stimulation, which causes depolarization and polarization of SkM and promotes several intertwined intracellular signals and biological processes. When nerve damage occurs, the interruption of these neuronal signals increases Ach receptor (AchR) expression, leading to increased permeability of the sarcolemma and initiating fiber type switching in myofibers. This results in muscle wasting and thinning, with the body breaking down the muscles and transforming them into fat and connective tissue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is muscle atrophy? | The loss or thinning of muscle tissue |
| What causes muscle atrophy? | Neurogenic atrophy is caused by nerve damage or disease; other causes include malnutrition, age, genetics, and lack of physical activity |
| How does nerve damage cause muscle atrophy? | When nerves are damaged, they can't trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity. The body then starts breaking down these muscles, causing them to decrease in size and strength. |
| What are the symptoms of muscle atrophy? | Impaired movements or actions (e.g., walking, climbing stairs), involuntary muscle twitches, and sensory disorders |
| Can muscle atrophy be treated? | Neurogenic atrophy typically can't be reversed due to physical nerve damage. However, it can sometimes be treated with physical therapy, such as electrical stimulation, or ultrasound therapy. |
| What are the characteristics of nerve damage-induced muscle atrophy? | Primarily based on muscle fiber atrophy, not the loss of muscle fibers; accompanied by elevated myofibrillar protein synthesis rates |
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What You'll Learn
Nerve damage interrupts muscle contractions
Nerve damage can indeed cause muscle loss, a condition known as neurogenic atrophy or neurogenic muscle atrophy. This is caused by an injury or disease that affects the nerves that connect to the muscles. When these nerves are damaged, they cannot trigger the muscle contractions necessary to stimulate muscle activity.
Neurogenic atrophy is characterised by a decrease in muscle mass and strength. This decrease occurs because, when muscles don't contract, the body assumes they are no longer needed and begins to break them down.
Neurogenic atrophy is typically caused by physical damage to the nerves and, as a result, usually cannot be reversed. However, it can sometimes be treated with a specific type of physical therapy called electrical stimulation. This involves placing electrodes on the skin over the muscles, which send small electrical impulses to the nerves and muscles. These electrical impulses artificially stimulate the muscles, helping to maintain muscle mass and strength.
Neurogenic atrophy is distinct from disuse (physiologic) atrophy, which occurs when muscles are not used enough. Disuse atrophy can often be treated with regular exercise and better nutrition.
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Neurogenic atrophy
The diagnosis of muscle atrophy involves a physical examination, during which a healthcare provider will look at the patient's arms and legs and measure their muscle mass. Additionally, tests such as blood tests, muscle or nerve biopsies, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be ordered.
While there is no cure for neurogenic atrophy, treatments are available to help manage the condition. One treatment option is physical therapy, specifically electrical stimulation, where electrodes are placed on the skin over the affected muscles to send electrical impulses that artificially contract the muscles. Another treatment option is ultrasound therapy, which uses sound waves to promote muscle healing. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to correct contractures, a condition where muscle tissues become fibrous, making it difficult to stretch the muscles and limiting movement.
Research has been conducted to better understand neurogenic atrophy and potential treatments. Animal studies have shown that nerve damage-induced atrophy is accompanied by elevated myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) rates, contrary to the expected decline. This finding suggests that muscle protein synthesis may not be a reliable indicator of changes in muscle mass.
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Muscle wasting
Neurogenic atrophy is caused by an injury or disease affecting the nerves that connect to the muscles. Diseases that can cause this include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. The process of muscle wasting can start within a few weeks of nerve damage and can be treated with physical therapy, including electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.
Muscle atrophy can also be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, age, genetics, physical inactivity, and certain medical conditions. Disuse or physiologic atrophy occurs when muscles are not used enough. This can be treated with regular exercise and better nutrition. Immobilisation, for example, being in a plaster cast, can also cause muscle loss as cells shrink and break down. Targeted training and physical therapy can help restore muscle strength in these cases.
The mechanism of muscle wasting due to nerve damage has been studied in rats with sciatic nerve injury. These studies have found that nerve damage-induced atrophy is accompanied by elevated myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) rates, contrary to expectations. This suggests that muscle protein synthesis may not be a reliable indicator of changes in muscle mass. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of MPS in muscle atrophy.
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Muscle fibre atrophy
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. It can be caused by disuse of muscles or neurogenic conditions. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases. When nerves are damaged, they cannot trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity. As a result, the body starts breaking down the muscles, causing them to decrease in size and strength.
Neurogenic atrophy can be caused by various diseases and conditions, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, and Multiple Sclerosis. The time it takes for muscles to atrophy depends on age, fitness level, and the underlying cause of atrophy.
Disuse or physiologic atrophy occurs when muscles are not used enough. This can be reversed through exercise and a healthy diet. Neurogenic atrophy, on the other hand, typically cannot be reversed due to the physical damage caused to the nerves. However, it can sometimes be treated with physical therapy, such as electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy.
Research has shown that nerve damage-induced muscle loss is primarily based on muscle fibre atrophy rather than the loss of muscle fibres. This is accompanied by elevated myofibrillar protein synthesis (MPS) rates, indicating that muscle protein synthesis may be reflective of muscle remodelling rather than a predictor of changes in muscle mass.
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Treatments for nerve damage-induced muscle loss
Nerve damage can cause muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy. This occurs when nerves that connect to the muscles are damaged and cannot trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity. As a result, the muscles begin to break down, leading to a decrease in size and strength. The treatment for nerve damage-induced muscle loss depends on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some possible treatments:
Disuse (Physiologic) Atrophy
Disuse atrophy occurs when muscles are not used enough and can sometimes be reversed through the following methods:
- Regular exercise: Working out in the pool can be beneficial as it reduces the muscle workload during the recovery process.
- Healthy diet: Working with a dietitian can help create a nutritious meal plan to support muscle health.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design an exercise plan to improve muscle strength and function.
Neurogenic Atrophy
Neurogenic atrophy is caused by nerve problems or diseases and usually cannot be reversed due to the physical damage to the nerves. However, the following treatments may help manage the condition:
- Electrical stimulation: This involves placing electrodes on the skin over the muscles to send electrical impulses that artificially contract the muscles, helping to maintain muscle mass and strength.
- Ultrasound therapy: Sound waves are used to promote muscle healing and reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to correct contractures that develop due to muscle atrophy, where fibrous tissue formation prevents muscle stretching and movement.
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Peripheral nerve injuries can range from mild to severe and can be treated with non-surgical or surgical methods:
- Nonsurgical treatments: Mild nerve injuries may respond to non-surgical therapies, such as physical therapy or medication.
- Surgical intervention: More severe injuries may require peripheral nerve surgery performed by a neurosurgeon. Techniques may include nerve grafting, nerve regeneration, or tendon or muscle transfer.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for nerve damage-induced muscle loss, as the treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle atrophy is the wasting or loss of muscle tissue, resulting in reduced muscle strength.
When nerves are damaged, they cannot trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity. As a result, your body starts breaking down these muscles, causing them to decrease in size and strength.
Symptoms include impaired movements or actions such as walking, climbing stairs, or performing housework. Peripheral nerve damage may also cause involuntary muscle twitches (fasciculations) in addition to atrophy.
Treatment depends on the type of atrophy. Physiologic atrophy, caused by disuse, can often be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. Neurogenic atrophy, caused by nerve damage, is more challenging to reverse due to the physical damage done to the nerves. However, it can sometimes be treated with physical therapy, including electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapy.
Muscle atrophy can also be caused by malnutrition, age, genetics, physical inactivity, immobilisation, or certain medical conditions.
