Myopathy: Causes

What causes myopathy?

Myopathy refers to any disease that affects the muscle tissue. Diseases of the muscle result in weakness, inflammation, tetany (spasms), or paralysis. Myopathy can be the result of either inherited or acquired causes.

Inherited causes of myopathy

Myopathy may be due to genetic conditions. Examples of some genetic conditions that result in myopathy include:

• Congenital myopathies, that are present at birth
• Familial periodic paralysis
• Glycogen storage disease of muscle (including Pompe’s disease)
• Mitochondrial myopathies (abnormalities of the cellular components known as mitochondria)
• Muscular dystrophy

Acquired or unknown causes of myopathy

Myopathy may have acquired or unknown causes. Examples include:

• Common muscle cramps
• Dehydration (loss of body fluids and electrolytes, which can be life threatening when severe and untreated)
• Endocrine disorders
• Infection
• Myositis (muscle inflammation)
• Neuron disorders (typically neuromuscular diseases)

What are the risk factors for myopathy?

A number of factors increase the risk of developing myopathy. Not all people with risk factors will get myopathy. Risk factors for myopathy include:

• Certain infections
• Family history of myopathy