Degenerative Nerve Diseases
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Degenerative nerve diseases affect many of your body's activities, such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function. Many of these diseases are genetic. Sometimes the cause is a medical condition such as alcoholism, a tumor, or a stroke. Other causes may include toxins, chemicals, and viruses. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Degenerative nerve diseases include:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Friedreich ataxia
- Huntington's disease
- Lewy body disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Degenerative nerve diseases can be serious or life-threatening. It depends on the type. Most of them have no cure. Treatments may help improve symptoms, relieve pain, and increase mobility.
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies · National Library of Medicine
- Specialized Nerve Tests: EMG, NCV and SSEP · North American Spine Society
Questions for your care team
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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