Myopathy
Myopathies, or disorders of muscle, are a variety of conditions that result in damage and/or dysfunction of muscles.
Myopathy Symptoms
Myopathies cause various combinations of weakness and/or pain.
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. Sometimes, myopathies cause pain in these areas, and some myopathies are associated with a rash.
What Causes Myopathy?
Myopathies are the result of many different conditions.
- Some medications, especially cholesterol-lowering drugs, can damage muscles.
- Alcohol is toxic to muscles and can cause myopathy.
- Many myopathies, including dermatomyositis and polymyositis, are the result of inflammation from an overactive immune system.
- Many others are genetic, with the disorder inherited from earlier generations.
- Finally, some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, can result in myopathies.
How is Myopathy Diagnosed
During the initial consultation, we obtain a detailed description of the patient’s current symptoms and prior illnesses experienced by the patient and family members. Diagnosis also includes:
- A review of current and prior medications.
- A complete neurologic exam, focused on detailed testing of muscle strength, will follow.
- If a myopathy is a possibility, we order blood tests and possibly an electromyogram and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS, detailed nerve and muscle testing).
- While muscle biopsies are sometimes needed, the advent of newer blood testing for specific conditions, especially genes, helps many individuals avoid biopsies.
At the Pacific Brain Health Center, we are able to offer complete exams, EMG/NCS testing, and blood testing. If a biopsy is needed, our PNI surgery colleagues are able to provide that service as well.
How is Myopathy Treated?
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.
- In inflammatory myopathies, treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and sometimes underlying immune overactivity are needed.
- Regardless of the cause, patients usually benefit from physical and/or occupational therapy, available at nearby at Providence Saint John’s Performance Therapy.
Myopathy Care Team
The specialist at the Pacific Brain Health Center in California are trained experts ready to evaluate and treat you, helping you to stay involved with the activities and people who matter to you.
