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Definition:
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Myopathic changes are weakness or biopsy results that suggest a muscle disorder. The muscle disorder can be inherited, such as muscular dystrophy, or acquired, such as alcoholic myopathy.
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Symptoms:
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The main symptom is weakness.
Other symptoms include cramps and stiffness.
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Signs and tests:
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An electromyogram can confirm a myopathy.
Sometimes, a muscle biopsy is done. This allows a tissue sample to be examined under a microscope and may confirm a specific disease.
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Treatment:
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Treatment depends on the cause. It usually includes:
- Bracing
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Preventing the condition from getting worse
- Surgery (sometimes)
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References:
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Chinnery PF. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 429.
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