Myopathy

What is Myopathy?

Myopathy is a muscular disease in which the muscle fibers do not function for any one of many reasons, resulting in muscular weakness. "Myopathy" simply means muscle disease. This meaning implies that the primary defect is within the muscle, as opposed to the nerves or elsewhere. Muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasm can also be associated with myopathy.

Muscular disease can be classified as neuromuscular or musculoskeletal in nature. Some conditions, such as myositis, can be considered both neuromuscular and musculoskeletal.

Because different types of myopathies are caused by many different pathways, there is no single treatment for myopathy.

How is Myopathy Diagnosed?

A muscle biopsy may be performed to try to find the cause of the myopathy. This can usually be done as a simple, outpatient surgical procedure. After the muscle biopsy is performed, your surgeon will refer you back to the specialist who is treating your myopathy for treatment of the disease.