Myopathy

Myopathy is a condition where the muscles of the body are affected. This can make the patient unable to get up from sitting position and walk

Symptoms

• Problems in getting up from sitting position
• Difficulty in lifting legs off the ground
• Problem in wearing a shirt or combing hair
• Difficulty in reaching objects above head
• Difficulty in neck holding
• Swallowing difficulty

Causes

• Genetic conditions
• Inflammatory Myopathies- Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Inclusion body myositis
• Metabolic conditions

Diagnosis

Clinical examination

Nerve conduction studies and Electromyography (EMG)

Muscle biopsy

Treatment

The treatment of myopathy depends on the cause identified. Treatments include immuno-suppression, control of metabolic conditions, rehabilitation for genetic conditions.