Myopathy is a broad term used to describe conditions affecting the skeletal muscles that leads to muscle weakness and deterioration.

Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and joints throughout the body and are used in movement. While many medical conditions may lead to muscle weakness, myopathies begin with muscle disorder or disease.

Movement is achieved through a complex process that can be disrupted by genetic mutations, an overactive immune system, or the use of certain medications or illicit drugs. Muscular dystrophy is one of the most common groups of myopathies that cause muscles to gradually deteriorate throughout the body. Inflammatory myopathies are considered autoimmune disorders in which the immune system attacks muscle cells or supporting tissues.

Myopathies are characterized by muscle weakness that can range from muscle fatigue to an impaired ability to move. Additional symptoms may also occur, depending on the type of myopathy involved.

To diagnose myopathy, a physician may examine muscle performance in a number of ways. A physical examination and neurological examination are likely, as are other tests that may be used to confirm a diagnosis of myopathy. These additional tests may include blood tests, urine tests, muscle biopsy, electromyography (EMG) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Some of these tests may need to be repeated over time to compare results.

In most cases, there is no cure for myopathy. Treatment concentrates on alleviating a patient’s symptoms. This may include the use of certain medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and braces. Psychological counseling may also be recommended. In many cases, myopathy cannot be prevented. For inheritable types of myopathies, genetic counseling may be advised for people with a family history of the disease. Drug-induced myopathies may stop when patients discontinue use of the drug causing the myopathy.