What it is
Myositis is inflammation of the muscles you use to move your body. It can be caused by an injury, an infection or an autoimmune disease.
Two main kinds
| Type | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Polymyositis | muscle weakness, usually in the muscles closest to the trunk |
| Dermatomyositis | muscle weakness plus a skin rash |
Other symptoms may include:
- fatigue after walking or standing;
- tripping or falling;
- trouble swallowing or breathing.
Diagnosis
A physical exam, lab tests, imaging and a muscle biopsy.
Treatment
There's no cure, but the symptoms can be treated.
- First step for polymyositis and dermatomyositis: high doses of a corticosteroid.
- Other options: other medicines, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, assistive devices and rest.
Sources
Based on "Myositis," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
LanguagesEnglish
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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