Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for myopathy

by Dr. Madaline Little Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Physical therapy, supportive devices such as braces, and sometimes surgery may also be used as treatment tools. Treatment of metabolic, toxic and endocrine-related myopathy generally focuses on the underlying cause of the condition. Medication or surgery may be used to address the symptoms.

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Mar 27, 2019 · Treatments for the myopathies depend on the disease or condition and specific causes. Supportive and symptomatic treatment may be the only treatment available or necessary for some disorders. Treatment for other disorders may include drug therapy, such as immunosuppressives, physical therapy, bracing to support weakened muscles, and surgery.

What is myopathy and how is it cured?

Other possible treatments include: medications occupational therapy physical therapy advanced skin care orthopedic and assistive devices

Is there a cure for myopathy?

Genetic counseling. Genetic counselors may help you understand the genetics of the condition. Medications. Medications may help treat symptoms of some myopathies. Nutritional and respiratory support. Orthopedic treatments. Physical, occupational or speech therapy.

What type of Doctor treats myopathy?

Inherited myopathies can’t be cured but treatments can help manage the condition and may include: Genetic counseling Medications, such as albuterol to reduce muscle weakness or azathioprine for inflammation Nutritional and respiratory support Orthopedic devices to help support limbs Surgery Physical ...

What are the treatment options for myopathies?

Feb 02, 2022 · Total abstinence from alcohol can often help reverse the symptoms. 1,2 For acute alcoholic myopathy, symptoms can typically be reversed within a few days to weeks, while chronic alcoholic myopathy can often take between 2 months to a year to be reversed. 1,2 Recovery from alcoholic myopathy can be supported by addressing any imbalances in vitamins and electrolyte …

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Can myopathy be cured or treated?

No, there is not a cure for myopathy itself. However, it can be treated to improve symptoms. If myopathy is related to an illness, like a virus or electrolyte imbalance, the muscle symptoms will improve when the underlying condition resolves. Immunosuppressants can help relieve symptoms of certain types of myopathy.Feb 19, 2022

Is there medication for myopathy?

Corticosteroids. These medications suppress inflammation. Corticosteroids are usually taken by mouth in pill form, but they can also be given through a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion. They are usually taken daily for about four to six weeks.

What is the best treatment for myopathy?

Most treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy and some form of exercise. Other treatments are more specific and based on the type of myopathy. In general, most acquired myopathies can be well controlled and treated to minimize weakness and symptoms.Jan 20, 2022

How long can you live with myopathy?

Cumulative survival from diagnosis has been estimated at 74.9% at 5 years and 62.5% at 10 years. Pulmonary involvement represented the main cause of death. Although myopathy is not a rare symptom associated with SSc, it has not attracted sufficient attention.Aug 14, 2020

Can you recover from myopathy?

The chronic inflammatory myopathies can't be cured in most adults but many of the symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, and rest. Polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and necrotizing autoimmune nmyopathy are first treated with high doses of corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone.Mar 12, 2020

What can myopathy lead to?

Congenital myopathies are associated with several complications, such as:Delays in motor skills.Scoliosis.Pneumonia.Respiratory failure.Feeding problems.

What part of the body does myopathy affect?

Overview. Myopathy is a general term referring to any disease that affects the muscles that control voluntary movement in the body. Patients experience muscle weakness due to a dysfunction of the muscle fibers.

How long does it take to recover from myopathy?

Prognosis. Corticosteroid-induced myopathy is reversible, with improvement in myopathy within 3 to 4 weeks of tapering corticosteroids, although recovery can take months to a year. Complications of corticosteroid-induced myopathy include the morbidity and subsequent mortality associated with chronic muscle weakness.

What does myopathy feel like?

The common symptoms of myopathy are muscle weakness, impaired function in activities of daily life, and, rarely, muscle pain and tenderness. Significant muscle pain and tenderness without weakness should prompt consideration of other causes.

How serious is myopathy?

The prognosis for individuals with a myopathy varies. Some individuals have a normal life span and little or no disability. For others, however, the disorder may be progressive, severely disabling, life-threatening, or fatal. The prognosis for individuals with a myopathy varies.Mar 27, 2019

Is exercise good for myopathy?

It is evident that aerobic exercise training may be of benefit to patients with myopathy in improving functional performance and well-being, provided that such a programme can be carried out safely and without adverse impact on the disease process.

What drugs can cause myopathy?

Direct myotoxicity – Examples include alcohol, cocaine, glucocorticoids, lipid-lowering drugs, antimalarials (which are associated with vacuolar myopathies), colchicine (which is associated with vacuolar myopathies), and zidovudine (which causes a mitochondrial myopathy).Aug 12, 2021

What are the most common myopathies?

Commonly acquired myopathies include: 1 Inflammatory/ autoimmune myopathy : This occurs when the body attacks itself, causing muscle degeneration or interfering with function. Myopathies characterized by inflammation in or near the muscle include polymyositis, dermatomyositis, sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. 6  2 Toxic myopathy : This occurs when a toxin, a medication, or a drug impairs muscle structure or function. 7  3 Endocrine myopathy : This occurs when a disorder of the hormones interferes with muscle function. The most common causes include thyroid or adrenal gland problems. 8  4 Infectious myopathy : This may happen when an infection prevents the muscles from functioning properly. 9  5 Myopathy secondary to electrolyte imbalance : Electrolyte problems, such as excessively high or low potassium levels, can interfere with the function of the muscles. 9 

What is metabolic myopathy?

Metabolic myopathy : This group of diseases is caused by metabolic problems that interfere with muscle function. There are a number of hereditary metabolic myopathies caused by defects in the genes that code for certain enzymes that are necessary for normal muscle movement. 2. Nemaline myopathy : This is a group of disorders characterized by ...

What is the term for a disease of the muscles?

Myopathy refers to a disease of the muscles. In these cases, the muscles work less effectively than they should. That can occur when the muscles do not develop properly, when they have become damaged, or when they are lacking important components. Muscles normally work by contracting, which means becoming shorter.

How do muscles work?

Muscles normally work by contracting, which means becoming shorter. A muscle is composed of proteins and other structural components that move in a coordinated manner to contract the muscle. When any of these components is defective, this may cause myopathy. There are a number of different causes of muscle disease, and consequently, ...

Who is Sarah Rahal?

Sarah Rahal, MD, is a double board-certified adult and pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist. Myopathy is a term used to describe diseases of the muscle.

What is congenital myopathy?

Types of Myopathy. Congenital myopathy means myopathy that a person is born with. Many of these conditions are believed to be hereditary and passed on from parents to children through genetics. While the symptoms of congenital myopathies often begin at a very young age, that is not always the case.

Is myopathy a difficult diagnosis?

In general, myopathy is a difficult diagnosis. If you have symptoms of myopathy, there is a strong chance that you will get a referral to a neurologist or a rheumatologist, or both, depending on which of your symptoms is most prominent.

How to treat myopathy?

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. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, including difficulty lifting the front part of your foot and toes, weakness in your legs, feet or ankles, ...

What causes myopathy?

Other causes of myopathy include immune disorders that cause inflammation and pain. Numerous inherited myopathies exist and may be associated with progressive weakness, atrophy (wasting), inflammation, muscle fiber metabolism dysfunction, muscle spasm, or rigidity. The signs and symptoms of myopathy will vary depending on the type ...

What causes muscle spasms?

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.

What are the complications of myopathy?

Complications of myopathy include: Chronic muscle pain (myalgia) Disability. Paralysis.

What are the symptoms of a swollen tongue?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including: Difficulty sw allowing. Muscle twitching or cramps in tongue, shoulders or arms. Muscle weakness in ankles, feet or legs. Slurred speech.

What are congenital myopathies?

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.

Can complementary medicine help myopathy?

Some complementary treatments may help some people to better deal with myopathy. These treatments, sometimes referred to as alternative therapies, are used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. Complementary treatments are not meant to substitute for full medical care.

What causes myopathies?

Examples of acquired causes of myopathies include: 1 Electrolyte imbalances, such as excessively high or low potassium levels 2 Infection such as tetanus or HIV 3 Inflammatory or autoimmune myopathies (eg, dermatomyositis and polymyositis) 4 Endocrine myopathies (hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid or adrenal gland problems) can interfere with muscle function 5 Toxins and medications (eg, colchicine for gout, statins for high cholesterol)

How do you know if you have myopathy?

Symptoms of myopathy vary depending on the cause but may include: Muscle weakness. Muscle cramps or spasms. Muscle stiffness. Delayed motor skills. Difficulty or awkward walking. Difficulty brushing teeth or hair. Drooping eyelids. Facial weakness.

What are the components of muscle contraction?

Muscles are composed of protein filaments of actin and myosin and other structural components that slide past one another, producing a contraction that changes both the length and the shape of the muscle cell. If any of these components are defective it may cause myopathy.

What causes muscle weakness?

Causes of myopathy are varied and include any condition that causes dysfunction of the muscle fibers leading to muscle weakness. Causes are usually grouped into those that are inherited, and those that are acquired.

What are the symptoms of congenital myopathy?

Congenital myopathy: These are rare muscle diseases present at birth, symptoms include skeletal and facial abnormalities and developmental delays in muscle skills. Glycogen-storage disease of muscle: Caused by mutations in the genes that control enzymes that metabolize glycogen and glucose. Mitochondrial myopathies: Caused by genetic abnormalities ...

What are the symptoms of a rash on the eyelid?

Lack of muscle tone. In some myopathies (eg, dermatomyositis), a rash may be evident or nonspecific symptoms, such as a fever, fatigue, or weight loss may be present.

Can myopathies be cured?

Inherited myopathies can’t be cured but treatments can help manage the condition and may include: Genetic counseling. Medications, such as albuterol to reduce muscle weakness or azathioprine for inflammation. Nutritional and respiratory support. Orthopedic devices to help support limbs. Surgery.

What are the symptoms of myopathy?

Acquired myopathies may have symptoms similar to those of genetic myopathies and also may include: 1 Muscle weakness 2 Muscle soreness (myalgias) 3 Cramps 4 Stiffness 5 Muscle wasting around the shoulders and hips

What are the symptoms of congenital myopathy?

Acquired myopathies may have symptoms similar to those of genetic myopathies and also may include: Muscle weakness. Muscle soreness (myalgias) Cramps. Stiffness.

What is the term for a condition that causes muscle weakness?

Myopathy and myositis are neuromuscular conditions that cause muscle problems, such as stiffness or weakness. Many people with these conditions have not been diagnosed or may have been misdiagnosed with another illness.

What causes muscle weakness in the legs and arms?

Acid maltase deficiency (Pompe disease): This type causes slow, progressive muscle weakness, especially in the muscles that control breathing and in the muscles in the legs, arms and torso. African Americans are at higher risk.

Can myopathy cause muscle stiffness?

Patients often have muscle stiffness or weakness. Myositis: This is a type of myopathy that causes inflammation of your muscles, leading to weakness, swelling and pain. Many people with a myopathy, including myositis, manage their symptoms and lead active lives. Medications can often relieve symptoms. In some cases, complete recovery is possible.

What is the immune system attack?

Polymyositis: The immune system attacks muscle fibers. Muscle weakness makes it difficult to rise from a seated position or lift objects. Inclusion body myositis: In addition to inflammation, people with inclusion body myositis also experience loss of muscle mass. This disease generally affects adults ages 50 and older.

What is the purpose of MRI?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create detailed pictures of your body. An MRI can help doctors locate muscle damage and identify changes to muscles over time. Blood tests: A blood test can show high levels of muscle enzymes, a sign of inflammation.

What is OHSU clinical trial?

As an academic health center, OHSU offers many clinical trials to test new ways to prevent, detect and treat conditions. Participating in a trial may give you access to treatments or approaches that are not yet widely available.

What does a blood test show?

Blood tests: A blood test can show high levels of muscle enzymes, a sign of inflammation. We may also use DNA from a blood test to look for genetic changes. Care for neuromuscular disorders at OHSU may include therapy with our experts in neurologic rehabilitation.

What is a congenital myopathy?

Such myopathies, arising as a result of genetic mutations, are called congenital myopathies. One famous example of a congenital myopathy is a group of conditions known as glycogen storage diseases of muscles, where the muscle is unable to process sugar molecules such as glycogen.

What is the term for muscle fibers?

The more technical term for a muscle fiber is a myocyte, or muscle cell, or myofiber. They're all synonymous. The key thing to note here is that these diseases are not primary nerve diseases that can cause muscle weakness.

What degree does Artem have?

Artem has a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. This lesson will discuss what a myopathy is. We'll mention the two major classes of myopathies and some examples of each, as well as how they may be diagnosed and treated. Create an account.

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Overview

A nervous system disorder that can permanently affect the spinal cord. It causes a loss of sensation, loss of function, and pain or discomfort.
Condition Highlight
Urgent medical attention is usually recommended by healthcare providers
How common is condition?
Common (More than 200,000 cases per year in US)
Is condition treatable?
Treatable by a medical professional
Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
Requires lab test or imaging
Time taken for recovery
Can last several months
Condition Highlight
Common for ages 50 and older
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Clinical significance

Pathophysiology

Causes

Symptoms

  • Myopathy is a term used to describe diseases of the muscle. If you have been diagnosed with myopathy, or if you are currently being evaluated for possible myopathy, there is a strong chance that you have not heard about myopathy until now, because it is not as common as other medical conditions. You may have questions about the diagnostic process, what you should anticipate i…
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Diagnosis

  • Myopathy refers to a disease of the muscles. When a person has a disease of the muscles, the muscles work less effectively than they should. That can occur when the muscles do not develop properly, when they have become damaged, or when they are lacking important components.
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Prognosis

  • Muscles normally work by contracting, which means becoming shorter. A normal muscle is composed of proteins and other structural components that move in a coordinated manner to contract the muscle. When any of these components is defective, this may cause myopathy.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Prevention

  • There are a number of different causes of muscle disease, and consequently, there are a number of different myopathies. Each of the different myopathies has its own specific name, cause, set of diagnostic tests, anticipated prognosis, and treatment. Some myopathies are expected to worsen over time, while some are fairly stable. Several myopathies are hereditary, and many are not. So…
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Treatment

  • In general, myopathy causes muscle weakness. The most common pattern of weakness is described as a proximal weakness. This means that the muscles of the upper arms and upper legs are more obviously weakened than the muscles of the hands or feet. Sometimes, myopathy weakens the respiratory muscles (muscles that control breathing). Other characteristics of myo…
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