MRCEM Notes

Myopathies

Features
  • symmetrical muscle weakness (proximal > distal)
  • common problems are rising from chair or getting out of bath
  • sensation normal, reflexes normal, no fasciculation

Causes
  • inflammatory: polymyositis
  • inherited: Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy
  • endocrine: Cushing's, thyrotoxicosis
  • alcohol
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