What are the Five Causes of Myopathy?

How is Myopathy Diagnosed? Tests & Procedures

Myopathy is when the muscles become weak or damaged, making it difficult to move or function normally. It can be inherited or developed over time, and the causes can range from common to unexpected.

Therefore, it's crucial to understand the causes and symptoms of myopathy for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Keep reading to learn about the top five causes of myopathy.

What are the 5 main causes of myopathy?

Myopathy may be passed down through the family or develop due to other factors you encounter in everyday life. Listed below are the 5 major causes behind it:

1. Genetic Disorders : Some people have myopathy from birth due to gene changes passed down from their parents. These conditions often appear in childhood and may gradually become worse. Common inherited types include congenital myopathy, mitochondrial myopathy, and muscular dystrophy.
2. Infections : Certain viruses and bacteria can also affect your muscles. These germs either directly damage muscle fibres or cause an immune response. Some common examples are the flu, HIV, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and parasites like trichinosis.
3. Autoimmune Diseases : Sometimes the body’s immune system attacks its own muscle tissues by mistake, causing inflammation and muscle weakness. This group generally includes conditions like lupus, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion body myositis.
4. Medications and Drugs : Some medications, especially when used long-term or in combination, can also harm muscles and lead to myopathy. Some of the common culprits include steroids, statins (for cholesterol), antivirals, and certain antibiotics.
5. Alcohol and Poor Nutrition : Heavy alcohol use can even weaken muscles over time. A lack of essential nutrients, especially vitamin D or B12, can also affect muscle health. These lifestyle factors are often overlooked but play a huge role in muscle function.

What are the symptoms of myopathy?

Myopathy mainly affects the muscles, and the symptoms can vary depending on the type. Numerous individuals notice weakness first, but other signs may also appear. Here are some common symptoms of myopathy you should look for:

• Trouble swallowing food or liquids.
• Muscle stiffness or constant fatigue.
• Sudden cramps or muscle twitching.
• Feeling tired or sore after light physical activity.
• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise.
• Difficulty walking, standing up, or keeping balance.
• Constant muscle weakness that makes everyday activities more difficult.

Does Myopathy Cause Pain?

Myopathy mostly results in weak muscles, but sometimes it also causes pain. The level and type of pain may vary depending on the cause of the myopathy and how advanced it is. Here’s what you should know:

• Muscle pain (myalgia) can occur in some types of myopathy, especially inflammatory or drug-induced types. The pain may feel like soreness or stiffness.
• Cramps and spasms might be felt in the affected muscles, making daily tasks uncomfortable.
• Pain after activity is common because weakened muscles can get tired or overworked more easily than normal ones.
• Inflammatory myopathies like dermatomyositis and polymyositis are more likely to cause muscle aches and tenderness.

How is Myopathy Diagnosed?

Since many conditions can affect your nerves and muscles, doctors may need to run several tests to confirm myopathy. These tests help find out the cause and understand other problems as well. Here are the diagnostic procedures used for myopathy:

• Genetic testing checks your blood or saliva for gene changes that may lead to inherited myopathy.
• Biochemical genetic testing: Blood tests measure muscle enzymes (CK, aldolase); urine tests assess myoglobin.
• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of muscles and soft tissues.
• CT (computed tomography) scans generally combine X-ray images from different angles to give a clear view of tissues, bones, and blood vessels. However, CT has limited soft-tissue resolution for myopathy.
• A lumbar puncture (spinal tap)collects fluid from your spine to check for infections or other issues affecting the nervous system.
• Muscle or nerve biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope.
• A nerve conduction study generally uses electrodes on your skin to check how well your nerves pass electrical signals.
• Electromyography (EMG) inserts tiny needles into muscles to measure their electrical activity during movement.

What is the treatment for myopathy?

The kind of treatment you receive for myopathy usually depends on the specific myopathy type you’re diagnosed with, such as:

• Inherited myopathies usually do not have a cure, but symptoms can be managed with physical therapy and supportive care. Certain types, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy or Pompe disease, can be managed with special medications.
• The treatment for acquired myopathies mainly focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For example, if a hormone problem is causing it, doctors will work on balancing your hormone levels.

If the muscles feel weak, tired, or sore without an apparent reason, like injury or overuse, it could be a sign of myopathy. This condition may be inherited through genes or develop later in life due to infections, health problems, or other factors.

Understanding the cause is essential before starting any treatment, so consulting a neurologist is best if the symptoms do not improve. Therefore, it is also advised to have health insurance to protect your health and finances during critical times.

Also Read:

→ What is Infectious Myopathy

→ How Do You Treat Mitochondrial Myopathy

→ What is the Best Treatment for Necrotizing Myopathy

→ What are the Types of Inflammatory Myopathy

→ What is Congenital Myopathy