What is myopathy?
Myopathy refers to any disease that affects muscle tissue. Diseases of the muscle result in weakness, inflammation, tetany (spasms), or paralysis. Myopathy can be the result of either inherited or acquired causes.
Acute “acquired” myopathies, such as acute stiffness, spasm, or cramp, are common. Others are linked to exposure to an infectious agent, such as viruses or bacteria, or are inherited. However, certain cases of myopathy have no known associated risk factors.
What are the symptoms of myopathy?
Myopathy causes dysfunction of the muscles due to inflammation or disease and can cause a number of symptoms. The symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals.
- Cramping
- Pain
- Paralysis
- Rigidity
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Wasting (atrophy)
- Weakness
Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition are
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle twitching or cramps in tongue, shoulders or arms
- Muscle weakness in ankles, feet or legs
- Slurred speech
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body
- Trouble raising the toes and foot
What causes myopathy?
Myopathy refers to any disease that affects the muscle tissue. Diseases of the muscle result in weakness, inflammation, tetany (spasms), or paralysis. Myopathy can be the result of either inherited or acquired causes.
Inherited causes of myopathy
Myopathy may be due to genetic conditions. Examples of some genetic conditions that result in myopathy include:
- Congenital myopathies, that are present at birth
- Familial periodic paralysis
- Glycogen storage disease of muscle (including Pompe’s disease)
- Mitochondrial myopathies (abnormalities of the cellular components known as mitochondria)
- Muscular dystrophy
Acquired or unknown causes of myopathy
Myopathy may have acquired or unknown causes. Examples include:
- Common muscle cramps
- Dehydration (loss of body fluids and electrolytes, which can be life threatening when severe and untreated)
- Endocrine disorders
- Infection
- Myositis (muscle inflammation)
- Neuron disorders (typically neuromuscular diseases)
What are the risk factors for myopathy?
A number of factors increase the risk of developing myopathy. Not all people with risk factors will get myopathy. Risk factors for myopathy include:
- Certain infections
- Family history of myopathy
How is myopathy treated?
Treatment for myopathy begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine whether you have myopathy, your health care provider will ask you questions and ask you to undergo diagnostic testing. It is important to follow your treatment plan for myopathy precisely and to take all of the medications as instructed.
Treatment options for myopathy will depend on the specific type of condition or disease. Acute conditions such as muscle cramping may need treatment to stabilize electrolyte balance, increase hydration, and reduce inflammation (for example, ice therapy). It also may need immobilization, rest, or anti-inflammatory medicines. Both acquired and inherited chronic myopathies require supportive therapy, such as physical therapy, bracing, or surgery, to decrease inflammation if appropriate, reduce symptoms, and increase function. Pain management may be needed; options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Immune disorders affecting the muscles may be treated with immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation such as methotrexate or corticosteroids such as prednisone.
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