How is polymyositis diagnosed?
Diagnosis
- Blood tests. A blood test will let your doctor know if you have elevated levels of muscle enzymes, which can indicate muscle damage.
- Electromyography. This test involves inserting a thin needle electrode through the skin into the muscle.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Muscle biopsy.
Can polymyositis cause paralysis?
Often the next muscles affected are those of the neck and shoulder girdle. The degree of weakness may vary from mild to near paralysis. Weakness usually develops slowly over weeks to months, although in rare cases weakness may progress more rapidly.
What are the first signs of polymyositis?
The common symptoms of polymyositis include:
- Muscle pain and stiffness.
- Muscle weakness, particularly in the belly (abdomen), shoulders, upper arms, and hips.
- Joint pain and stiffness.
- Trouble catching your breath.
- Problems with swallowing.
- Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed.
Is polymyositis serious?
If polymyositis is not treated, it can lead to severe complications. As the muscles become weaker, you may fall often and be limited in your daily activities. If the muscles in the digestive tract and chest wall are affected, you may have problems breathing (respiratory failure), malnutrition, and weight loss.
What is the life expectancy of someone with dermatomyositis?
For dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and necrotizing myopathy, the progression of the disease is more complicated and harder to predict. More than 95 percent of those with DM, PM, and NM are still alive more than five years after diagnosis.
What are the first symptoms of polymyositis?
What is the best treatment for dermatomyositis?
The two most common medications for dermatomyositis are azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and methotrexate (Trexall). Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) is another medication used to treat dermatomyositis, particularly if the lungs are involved.
Does walking help myositis?
A 15-minute walk was also recommended for program participants. The results of this study were very positive: Disease activity did not get worse.