SummaryNeuromuscular disorders (NMD) may soon or later affect the lung function according to the clinical progression of any NMD leading often to chronic ventilatory failure. Either the respiratory muscles and the central drive of breathing may be differently involved during the natural history of any different NMD. The evaluation of lung function test should be routinely performed in every NMD patients at least at diagnosis and during follow-up. Also respiratory sleep disturbances and cough efficiency must be carefully checked in every patient with NMD. The present review describes the most useful test to routinely assess lung function in NMD, with particular emphasis on respiratory muscles evaluation. An early assessment of lung function together with use of non invasive home mechanical ventilation may help improved quality of life and prolonged life expectancy.
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