10 Polymyositis Symptoms

By errol

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. 'Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.' Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/
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Polymyositis is part of a group of muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. Inflammation occurs within muscles and blood vessels that supply muscles with oxygen and nutrients. The exact cause of polymyositis hasn't been identified, but some evidence suggests it may be an autoimmune disorder.¹Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. ‘Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.’ Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/

The first symptoms of polymyositis usually appear between the ages of 30 to 50, although they can occur at any age. Approximately 1 out of every 100,000 people may develop some form of polymyositis, and the disorder is twice as common among women than men.¹Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. ‘Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.’ Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness is the most recognizable symptom of polymyositis. Muscles close to the trunk of the body, the proximal muscles, are usually affected first. Proximal muscles include the hips, shoulders, thighs, upper arms, back and neck. Weakness may spread outward from the trunk to muscles in the lower arms, the legs and other areas.¹Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. ‘Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.’ Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/

Symptoms usually occur slowly over 3 to 6 months, although muscle weakness may occur rapidly in some cases. People affected by polymyositis may struggle to climb stairs, get up out of a chair, lift objects or raise their arms above their heads.²‘Polymyositis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12053-polymyositis