 Polymyositis
What is Polymyositis?
Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease of muscles, causing weakness in
the muscles closest to the torso -- usually the shoulder and hip muscles.
It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that a person's white blood cells
begin attacking muscles for an unknown reason. The disease is chronic,
but the symptoms may come and go.
Who Gets Polymyositis?
Anyone can get polymyositis, but it is slightly more common in females,
and people in middle childhood and their 20s. It is sometimes connected
with cancer, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
How is Polymyositis Diagnosed?
After taking the patient's history, a physician may perform blood tests,
an EMG, or a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI). A muscle biopsy may
also be taken.
How is Polymyositis Treated?
Corticosteroids are often given to treat polymyositis because they decrease
the muscle inflammation. If corticosteroids are ineffective, immunosuppressive
medications may be given. Physical therapy is also beneficial in the long
run.
To Find a Specialist
To find a physician board-certified to conduct needle EMGs and nerve conduction
studies click here: www.abemexam.org
For More Information
Myositis Association of America:
www.myositis.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association:
www.mdausa.org
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