Abstract
Muscle diseases constitute a large variety of both acquired and hereditary disorders that can affect muscle structure, metabolism, or the function of the muscle channel. A successful clinical approach to a patient with a suspected myopathy is based on a thorough medical history and neurological examination. Associated clinical symptoms such as myoglobinuria, contractures, myotonia, cardiac disease, and respiratory insufficiency can be extremely helpful in limiting the differential diagnosis. In addition, a phenotypic approach to diagnosis according to the patient's predominant pattern of weakness is essential for guiding the physician in selecting the most appropriate diagnostic studies. Although muscle biopsy remains a useful tool, molecular genetic studies are now available for the noninvasive diagnosis of many muscle diseases.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 228-240 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Seminars in Neurology |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2008 |
Keywords
- Cardiomyopathy
- Creatine kinase
- Myalgia
- Myoglobinuria
- Myopathy
- Myotonia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neurology