Muscular disorder

myopathy

What is myopathy?
Neuromuscular
Impairment
Affect

disorder

of skeletal muscle

muscle without involving the nervous

system

Causes of myopathy

Diseases of the muscle result in weakness,

inflammation, tetany (spasms), or paralysis. Myopathy
can be the result of either inherited or acquired
causes.

Others are linked to exposure to an infectious agent,

such as viruses or bacteria, or are inherited.

Myopathy develops as the result of either inherited

(congenital or genetic) disorders or acquired
conditions of the muscles. Most commonly, people
develop acquired myopathy from muscle fatigue,
electrolyte imbalance, or dehydration, resulting in
stiffness or cramping. Other causes of myopathy

How does myopathy affects the

muscular system?

Central core disease: mild weakness of voluntary muscles,

especially in the hips and legs; hip displacement; delays in reaching
developmental motor milestones; problems with running, jumping,
and climbing stairs develop in childhood

Centro nuclear myopathy: weakness of voluntary muscles including

those on the face, arms, legs, and trunk; drooping upper eyelids;
facial weakness; foot drop; affected muscles almost always lack
reflexes

Myotonic congenital: voluntary muscles of the arms, legs, and face

are stiff or slow to relax after contracting (myotonic); stiffness
triggered byfatigue, stress, cold, or long rest periods, such as a
night's sleep; stiffness can be relieved by repeated movement of
the affected muscles

Who is more susceptible to get

myopathy?
Genes

are responsible for building our bodies;

we inherit them from our parents along with
any mutations or defects they have and
pass them on to our children.

Early

to late childhood

Signs and symptoms

The

main problems faced by people with this

disease are delayed muscle relaxation and
muscle stiffness. Typically provoked by sudden
movements after rest.

Cold

exposure can have similar effects, but

some people experience muscle stiffness,
weakness or, sometimes, temporary paralysis
even when theyre warm.

Treatment

By

avoiding strenuous exercise and cold, most

people with this condition can largely escape
disability. But medications can be beneficial,
especially for those who experience symptoms
independent of exercise and cold. Your MDA
clinic director can give you more information
about these medications.