Polymyositis

There is no cure for polymyositis, but its symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy (including microwave and ultrasound), orthotics and assistive devices, and rest. The standard treatment for... Full Answer

In order to diagnose polymyositis, your doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination. You will need to have blood work done, and electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests may be performed. You... Full Answer

Polymyositis is a rare disease of the connective tissues that causes skeletal muscles to weaken. Polymyositis is characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation. Polymyositis can develop at any time, but African Americans, women, and adults between 30... Full Answer

Scientists are studying various new approaches to treating polymyositis. For example, ongoing clinical trials are testing whether people with polymyositis benefit from the drug rituximab, which is usually used in treating cancer and rheumatoid... Full Answer

People with polymyositis often develop the common joint condition known as arthritis. Polymyositis is a disease that produces inflammation in the muscles. The most obvious symptom is muscle weakness. However, inflammation is also known to cause... Full Answer

Many people who develop polymyositis complain of shortness of breath and find it difficult to carry on normal daily activities, such as climbing stairs or rising from a chair. Polymyositis occurs when the muscles become inflamed. Polymyositis not... Full Answer

Polymyositis may cause you to develop difficulty swallowing. Polymyositis is a general term for a group of diseases that cause muscles to become inflamed. The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. Swallowing food requires coordinated... Full Answer

Polymyositis may cause you to develop difficulty speaking. Polymyositis is a general term for a group of diseases that cause muscles to become inflamed. The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. The act of speaking requires coordinated... Full Answer

One complication of polymyositis is a potentially serious heart condition known as an arrhythmia. When you develop an arrhythmia, your heartbeat becomes irregular. It may beat too fast or too slow, or it may simply beat erratically. Arrhythmias can... Full Answer

The prognosis for polymyositis varies. Most people respond fairly well to therapy, but some have a more severe disease that does not respond adequately to therapies and are left with a significant disability. In rare cases, individuals with severe and... Full Answer