Knowra Myopathy Myopathy Myopathy is a disease or disorder of muscle tissue that causes weakness or impaired muscle function. It may be inherited, acquired, or associated with systemic illness.
Skeletal muscle : Skeletal muscle is voluntary, striated tissue that moves the body and supports posture. Most myopathies primarily impair this muscle type, producing weakness during movement.
Muscle fiber necrosis : Muscle fiber necrosis is the irreversible death of muscle cells, often followed by inflammation and repair. It underlies muscle injury in several inflammatory, toxic, and inherited myopathies.
Electromyography : Electromyography records electrical activity in muscle, often using a needle electrode, to assess muscle and nerve function. Its characteristic findings can support a myopathic pattern and guide further testing.
Neuropathy : Neuropathy is disease or dysfunction of peripheral nerves that can cause weakness, sensory changes, or pain. It causes weakness through nerve injury rather than primary damage to muscle tissue.
Polymyositis : Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory muscle disease characterized by muscle weakness and immune-mediated muscle injury. It is a named acquired myopathy involving inflammation within muscle.
Muscle fiber : A muscle fiber is a single elongated muscle cell containing contractile proteins and specialized internal structures. Myopathies damage or disrupt these cells and their contractile machinery.
Muscle inflammation : Muscle inflammation is an immune-cell response within muscle tissue that may cause pain, weakness, and fiber damage. Inflammatory myopathies arise when immune activity targets muscle.
Muscle biopsy : A muscle biopsy is the removal and microscopic examination of a small sample of muscle tissue. It can reveal inflammation, degeneration, storage material, or structural abnormalities.
Motor neuron disease : Motor neuron disease is degeneration of nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. It can produce progressive weakness and muscle wasting despite muscle not being the primary disease site.
Dermatomyositis : Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease affecting skin and muscle, often causing characteristic rashes and proximal weakness. It illustrates a myopathy with both muscle and distinctive skin manifestations.
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