noun
definition
Any of several diseases of muscle that are not caused by nerve disorders
Examples of myopathies in a Sentence
Disorders in which skeletal muscle is the primary target of the mitochondrial dysfunction are called mitochondrial myopathies.
Dermatomyositis is one of a group of relatively uncommon diseases known as inflammatory myopathies, or inflammatory disorders of the muscles.
Myopathies are diseases of skeletal muscle that are not caused by nerve disorders.
There are many different types of myopathies.
Most myopathies are degenerative, meaning they become more pronounced over time.
There is great variety among myopathies, but what they all share are effects on the skeletal muscles.
The main causes of myopathies are genetic, inflammatory (caused by infection), endocrine (hormonal), and metabolic (errors in how cells function).
With each of the inherited myopathies, a genetic defect is linked to a lack of, or defect in, one of the proteins needed for normal muscle cell function.
Most, but not all, of these genetic myopathies are inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.
Mitochondrial myopathies are inherited only through the mother, since sperm do not contain mitochondria.
In some cases, myopathies can be caused by a malfunctioning endocrine gland that produces either too much or too little of the chemical messengers called hormones.
Some myopathies are caused by inflammation.
While considered a separate group of diseases, the muscular dystrophies also involve muscle wasting and can be described as myopathies.
About 14 percent of myopathies are inherited.
Worldwide the rate of inflammatory myopathies is about five to ten individuals per 100,000.
These myopathies are more often seen in women.
The rate of metabolic and endocrine myopathies was, as of 2004, not known.
Diagnostic tests can help differentiate among the different types of myopathies, as well as between myopathy and other neuromuscular disorders.
Genetic tests are available for a few myopathies.
As of 2004, there was no cure for many myopathies.
Muscular dystrophy is generally a more serious disease than many other types of myopathies.
As of 2004 there is no way to prevent the genetic mutations that cause myopathies, nor are there ways to prevent metabolic and endocrine failures that result in myopathies.
Inflammatory myopathies often occur as a result of exposure to viruses or drugs, but it is almost impossible to predict their development.
Individuals with known myopathies who wish to become parents may want to seek genetic counseling before attempting to have children.