Author Description

The neuromuscular diseases comprise the disorders of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, and muscle. Both pre and post-synaptic elements of the neuromuscular junction may become targets of autoimmune attack in different diseases. This book addresses the immunologically mediated neuromuscular diseases, including Guillain--Barré syndrome and other autoimmune neuropathies, the Lambert--Eaton myasthenic syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and the autoimmune diseases of muscle. Two chapters are devoted to the vasculitic and HIV-mediated neuromuscular diseases. The experimental models of neuritis and myasthenia gravis are addressed in separate chapters. An introductory chapter provides a general background to autoimmunity. This book is a useful overview for all neurologists, rheumatologists and immunologists both in research and clinical practice.