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About examination of diaphragm paralysis in NANA
Diaphragm paralysis may be suspected during the interview with the physician (anamnesis) about your symptoms, especially if neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) has been diagnosed with a sudden onset of shortness of breath when lying flat or bending over. This often occurs in combination with reduced physical condition and sleeping difficulty. read moreAbout examination of diaphragm paralysis in NANA
Diaphragm paralysis may be suspected during the interview with the physician (anamnesis) about your symptoms, especially if neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) has been diagnosed with a sudden onset of shortness of breath when lying flat or bending over. This often occurs in combination with reduced physical condition and sleeping difficulty.
But you may also have few shoulder and arm symptoms, and be troubled primarily by breathing difficulties. If this is the case, you may have first been referred to a pulmonologist (lung specialist) instead of a neurologist. Because NA is a relatively unknown disorder, it may be useful to ask whether additional tests can be done, especially if you have shortness of breath when bending over or lying flat.
Examinations
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This examination can show a difference in lung volume of more than a half liter between sitting up and lying down. This is typical for diaphragmatic problems.
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Your respiration and quality of sleep at night can be examined at specialized centers such as the Centers for Home Mechanical Ventilation Centra voor Thuisbeademing (CTBs).
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We conduct breath examination to determine your lung volume and how quickly you can inhale and exhale.
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At some centers the diaphragm can be imaged in a less burdensome way by means of ultrasound.
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Diaphragm ultrasound
At some centers the diaphragm can be imaged in a less burdensome way by means of ultrasound.
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EMG measures the function of the diaphragm by electrically stimulating the diaphragm through the neck.
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This examination can show a unilateral or bilateral elevation of the diaphragm.
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Chest x-ray
This test can show a unilateral or bilateral elevation of the diaphragm.
Diseases and treatments
Diseases
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Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a disorder involving nerve pain and muscle wasting.
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In approximately 5% of people with NA, the diaphragmatic nerve also becomes paralyzed during an attack. The diaphragm has an important function in breathing.
to the disease
Treatments
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Treatment of diaphragmatic paralysis in NA can be done by self-administered measures, overnight ventilation, or (if there is no recovery after 3-4 years) reefing the diaphragm.
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The Radboudumc has several consultation hours for patients with (possible) neuralgic amyotrophy or other injuries of the nerves in the shoulder and arm.
to the treatment
Team Plexusclinic
Apart from these health care workers, a neurologist, a rehabilitation specialist, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist are often also present.
