Myopathy refers to a group of disorders or diseases characterized by the dysfunction, weakness, or damage to the skeletal muscles. It is a term derived from the Greek words "myo," meaning muscle, and "pathos," meaning disease or disorder.
Myopathy can manifest in various forms, and each type has its distinct causes, symptoms, and progression. It can be inherited (genetic) or acquired due to external factors such as medication, exposure to toxins, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Common inherited myopathies include muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and mitochondrial myopathy.
Individuals with myopathy generally experience progressive muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone (hypotonia), delayed motor skill development, and fatigue. The weakness may affect voluntary muscles, leading to difficulty in performing daily activities, or it can affect involuntary muscles, causing problems in organ functions. Depending on the type and severity, individuals may also face symptoms like muscle cramps, stiffness, pain, and impaired coordination.
Diagnostic procedures including physical examinations, medical history analysis, blood tests, electromyography, muscle biopsies, and genetic testing are typically employed to identify and classify the specific type of myopathy.
While treatment options for myopathy are not always curative, they aim to manage symptoms, slow down the progression, and improve the overall quality of life. Therapies may involve physical rehabilitation, medication for pain management, orthopedic aids, assistive devices, and respiratory support. In certain cases, genetic counseling and support groups can also be beneficial for individuals and families dealing with inherited myopathy.
