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What Is Myopathy?

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

It is a group of neuromuscular diseases that lead to gradual muscle atrophy and degeneration. Mostly these are progressive hereditary pathologies. Genetically unrelated muscle atrophy is also possible if a person, for one reason or another (usually due to injury or disease that restricts mobility), cannot have normal, daily physical activity.

Muscular dystrophy or myopathy occurs due to a violation of biochemical processes in the muscle fiber itself. The synthesis of nucleic acids changes, the breakdown of proteins is accelerated, the content of creatine phosphokinase increases, and the level of ATP decreases. Some scientists adhere to the theory of defective membranes, which is based on the loss of enzymes and amino acids by muscle fiber due to the so-called defects in cellular structures.

A part of the muscle fibers is replaced with adipose tissue with myopathy, while the muscles themselves are thinned.

There are primary myopathies, which gradually develop already in childhood and adolescence and are acquired. The clinical manifestations of myopathy can be aggravated by unfavorable provoking factors (infections, intoxication, nervous stress).

Myopathy is considered to be a genetic disease since doctors do not have more accurate information about the causes of its occurrence. It is known that with myopathy, metabolic processes in muscles are disturbed, and there is a violation of the innervation of the connection between muscle tissue and the central nervous system. Since myopathy is often hereditary, it mainly manifests itself in childhood and adolescence, mainly in males.

Myopathy isn’t just muscle weakness. It is a complex of disorders in the body, which lead to a deterioration in the activity of various systems and organs. However, the most obvious are changes in the muscles that lead to specific mobility impairments.

With myopathy, gait is disturbed; a person walks with lowered shoulders, which, as a rule, causes a curvature of the spine. Since the disease is considered progressive, the patient’s condition can deteriorate significantly without appropriate therapy. Several decades ago, myopathy was considered incurable, but modern medications can slow or even stop the progression of the disease and improve physical activity.

The role of nutrition and vitamins in myopathy

There are forms of myopathy in which the first symptoms of the disease are observed in childhood, and there are forms that appear only in adolescence or even adulthood.

Methods for treating myopathy depend specifically on its type; this should be especially taken into account when prescribing physical activity. With myopathy, physical activity is advised; however, some patients need light physiotherapy exercises, massage, and exertion without overwork, while others, on the contrary, are recommended active gymnastics and vigorous movements.

With myopathy, proper nutrition plays a huge role. It should be varied and contain a sufficient amount of vitamins, micro and macroelements. The patient with myopathy must receive the required amount of B vitamins both with food and in preparations.

  • B vitamins are essential for the functioning of the muscular system; without them, the regenerative processes in the muscles and nerves slow down. Vitamins of this group are called neurotropic for a reason; they take an active part in restoring the functions of nerve fibers and maintaining their normal functioning. In particular, vitamins B1 (benfotiamine) and B6 (pyridoxine) are essential.
  • In addition, with myopathy, you need to take vitamin E, calcium, and other elements necessary for musculoskeletal tissue.

Neurologists and orthopedic traumatologists treat myopathy and, if necessary, a cardiologist. To be successful in treatment, you need to make a timely diagnosis. Since the disease develops mainly in childhood and adolescence, the responsibility for timely access to a doctor and adequate treatment lies, of course, with the parents.

What to do with muscle atrophy after an injury?

Unlike myopathy, muscle atrophy caused by temporary immobility does not progress. Muscle work is restored, if not in full, then in a significant amount (depending on the age and physical condition of the person), but this requires some effort.

Moderate physical activity is prescribed, often using simulators to restore muscles after a forced restriction of movement. Massages, physiotherapy exercises, and swimming have a positive effect. The provision of the body plays an essential role with the nutrients necessary for the restoration of muscle activity.

Myopathy symptoms

myopathy symptoms

Myopathy begins with the appearance of slight muscle weakness in the limbs. Fatigue occurs faster when walking or during other exercise than it was before the onset of the disease. It becomes more difficult for such people to overcome long distances, so they often have to take short rest breaks to continue their journey with renewed vigor. Further, muscle atrophy joins the growing weakness due to which deformities of the limbs appear. As a rule, atrophic changes are observed in the proximal (which are closer to the body) parts of the arms and legs, making the distal extremities appear hypertrophied. This phenomenon is called pseudohypertrophy. With the progression of muscle weakness, it becomes difficult to jump, run, and climb stairs.

The characteristic appearance of the patient with myopathy is gradually formed:

  • pterygoid scapula
  • drooping shoulders
  • bulging forward abdomen and enhanced lumbar lordosis, due to which the so-called wasp waist is formed.

Moreover, a duck gait is observed (movement is accompanied by swinging to the sides).

Myopathies can be accompanied by damage to facial muscles. It is possible to suspect the involvement of facial muscles in the pathological process when a person cannot stretch their lips with a tube, puff out their cheeks, frown or smile. The development of dysarthria accompanies the defeat of the circular muscle of the mouth due to the difficulty in pronouncing vowel sounds. Dysarthria itself denotes a speech disorder expressed in the difficult pronunciation of some words, individual sounds, syllables, or distorted pronunciation.

The defeat of the respiratory muscles is accompanied by impaired ventilation of the lungs, leading to congestive pneumonia. This form of pneumonia is one of the most severe along the course, is difficult to treat, and quickly leads to respiratory failure.

There is also evidence of the possibility of damage to the heart muscle. In this case, cardiomyopathy develops, which leads to the development of heart failure.

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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