There are various skeletal muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis. Diagnosis involves blood or imaging tests. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, and surgery. Some diseases are more common in certain populations, and some are terminal. Consult a medical professional for questions or concerns.
There are a variety of different skeletal muscle diseases, each of which carries its own unique set of symptoms. Some of the more common diseases affecting skeletal muscles include muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, and cerebral palsy. Other skeletal muscle diseases include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. A doctor will likely order a series of blood or imaging tests to rule out more serious medical conditions and to aid in the diagnosis of these disorders. If the patient or caregiver has questions or concerns about the diagnosis of specific skeletal muscle diseases, a physician or other medical professional should be consulted.
Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy are among the most frequently diagnosed skeletal muscle diseases among children. Characterized by wasting muscles, muscular dystrophy can cause varying degrees of mobility problems, as well as heart or lung problems. Physical therapy and the use of supportive devices such as braces or wheelchairs are standard treatment options for those diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Cerebral palsy affects muscle tone and can lead to deformities involving muscles or joints. Prescription drugs, physical therapy, or surgery can be used to treat cerebral palsy.
Fibromyalgia is more common among women, although the reason for this is not clearly understood. Muscle pain, fatigue and depression are among the most frequently reported symptoms of this disease. Treatment for fibromyalgia can be somewhat complex and typically involves a combination of prescription medications, lifestyle adjustments, and physical therapy.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is one of the most debilitating skeletal muscle diseases. This is a progressive disease that occurs when motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord become damaged. Over time, this leads to a lack of communication between the brain and muscles, causing the patient to lose the ability to control muscle movements. ALS is considered a terminal disease, although medications and technological advances may be able to prolong the lives of many patients with the disease.
Myasthenia gravis is an incurable disease that develops due to disruption of communication between the body’s muscles and nerves, leading to a loss of muscle control. Mobility problems are common, and the ability to breathe or swallow may also be impaired. While prescription drugs are often helpful for treating the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, surgery or other medical procedures are also often needed.
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