A myopathy is a muscular disease in which the muscle fibers do not function for any one of many reasons, resulting in muscular weakness.

Myopathy is a very general term that includes several categories. These include congenital (from birth or heredity) types and other acquired types that adults may get throughout the course of a lifetime. Sometimes myopathies may results as an unwanted side effect of medications or toxins.

Some of the better known myopathies are polymyositis, muscular dystrophies and drug induced myopathy. There are many more.

Accurately diagnosing and characterizing myopathies is not easy in most patients and requires neuromuscular consultation if the cause is not obvious.

A detailed personal and family history will be needed to determine the cause of the myopathy. Neurological examination may reveal abnormalities of strength and painful muscle spasms and cramps. Changes in reflexes and muscle bulk may also be present.

Tests that reveal myopathy include:

• Careful medical and neurological examination
• EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)
• Muscle biopsy
• Blood tests to screen for medical conditions and evidence of muscle damage.
• Genetic testing

The first steps of treatment is to identify the cause of the muscle problem (such as an infection). If possible, efforts are taken to remove the cause (such as an offending drug). Other goals include controlling symptoms, curing the disorder if possible, and helping each patient gain maximum independence and
self-care ability