What are the symptoms of myopathy?
The myopathies are neuromuscular disorders in which the primary symptom is muscle weakness due to dysfunction of muscle fiber. Other symptoms of myopathy can include include muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasm. Myopathies can be inherited (such as the muscular dystrophies) or acquired (such as common muscle cramps).
What are the first symptoms of polymyositis?
The common symptoms of polymyositis include:
- Muscle pain and stiffness.
- Muscle weakness, particularly in the belly (abdomen), shoulders, upper arms, and hips.
- Joint pain and stiffness.
- Trouble catching your breath.
- Problems with swallowing.
- Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed.
How is myopathy diagnosed?
The patient’s physician may use a variety of tests to determine the specific myopathy….These can include:
- A physical exam.
- Muscle strength tests.
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Ultrasound.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Genetic tests.
- A muscle biopsy.
How is inflammatory myositis diagnosed?
How are the inflammatory myopathies diagnosed? Diagnosis is based on medical history, results of a physical examination that includes tests of muscle strength, and blood samples that show elevated levels of various muscle enzymes and autoantibodies.
What autoimmune disease attacks your muscles?
Myositis (my-o-SY-tis) is a rare type of autoimmune disease that inflames and weakens muscle fibers. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s own immune system attacks itself. In the case of myositis, the immune system attacks healthy muscle tissue, which results in inflammation, swelling, pain, and eventual weakness.
What is the difference between polymyalgia and polymyositis?
Polymyositis is an inflammatory, destructive, autoimmune muscle disease, usually with weakness but unusually with pain. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease of muscle that always causes symmetrically painful muscles. Polymyalgia rheumatica is not destructive to muscles.
What tests are used to diagnose polymyositis?
If your doctor suspects you have polymyositis, he or she might suggest some of the following tests:
- Blood tests. A blood test will let your doctor know if you have elevated levels of muscle enzymes, which can indicate muscle damage.
- Electromyography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Muscle biopsy.
How can myopathy be treated?
Treatment options for myopathy include splinting, bracing, medications, physical therapy, and surgery. In rare cases, myopathy may be a sign of a serious neuromuscular disorder.
What are the signs and symptoms of myopathy?
Though some begin with weakness in the hands and feet, most myopathies begin with weakness closer to the torso, especially in the shoulders, hips, thighs, and neck. The first symptoms most people notice are difficulty walking up stairs and/or brushing their hair or teeth.
What are the side effects of congenital myopathies?
Congenital myopathies are associated with a number of complications, such as: Delays in motor skills. Scoliosis. Pneumonia. Respiratory failure. Feeding problems. Death.
What are the side effects of inflammatory myopathies?
Inflammation damages the muscle fibers, which causes weakness, and may affect the arteries and blood vessels that pass through muscle. Other symptoms include fatigue after walking or standing, frequent episodes of tripping or falling, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
What are the options for treatment of myopathy?
Treatment options are varied and depend on the cause. If the myopathy is the result of a medication, stopping the medication usually clears up the problems. If an underlying medical condition is causing the muscle problems, treating that underlying condition usually leads to relief.