Myopathy is a disease of the muscle in which the muscle fibers do not function properly. This results in muscular weakness.
Types of Myopathies
Myopathies may be divided into two main categories: inherited and acquired. The temporal course, the pattern of muscle weakness, and the absence or presence of a family history of myopathy help distinguish between the two types. An early age of onset with a relatively longer duration of disease suggests an inherited myopathy, and a sudden or subacute presentation at a later age is more consistent with an acquired myopathy. Inherited myopathies can be further subclassified as muscular dystrophies, congenital myopathies, mitochondrial myopathies, and metabolic myopathies. Acquired myopathies can be subclassified as inflammatory myopathies, toxic myopathies, and myopathies associated with systemic conditions.
Myopathy refers to a clinical disorder of the skeletal muscles. Abnormalities of muscle cell structure and metabolism lead to various patterns of weakness and dysfunction. In some cases, the pathology extends to involve cardiac muscle fibers, resulting in a hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy.
This information was provided by “The Cleveland Clinic Foundation” for additional information please visit “http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com“
