Muscle diseases

Muscle diseases

These include, for example, muscular dystrophies – which are usually based on a genetic predisposition. Additional conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic alcohol consumption, or certain medications can exacerbate the symptoms. Muscular dystrophy is characterized by the onset of muscle weakness and muscle wasting – both of which progress slowly. Early signs include, for example, a limping gait, inability to lift arms above the head, or difficulty rising from a chair.

Diagnosed muscular dystrophy is diagnosed through a physical examination by a neurologist. Supportive tests include electromyography (EMG), ultrasound examination of the muscles, imaging by MRI, a tissue biopsy, and blood tests including genetic diagnostics.

A therapy is often only possible symptomatically with pharmacological or non-pharmacological (physiotherapeutic, speech therapy or occupational therapy) treatment strategies.