South sensation Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been battling an autoimmune condition called ‘Myositis’ for the last one year. His treatment is continuing. In such a situation, what is this condition, what is its cause and how can it be treated? Let us know everything about it.
Myositis, an autoimmune condition, is the name for a group of rare conditions that can make muscles weak, tired, and painful. This is usually caused by a problem with the immune system, where it mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), its causes include infection, injury, autoimmune conditions and medication side effects. This condition can affect both children and adults. However, studies show that women are more likely to be affected by this disease than men.
There are different types of myositis, including:
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Polymyositis affects many different muscles, especially the muscles of the shoulders, hips, and thighs. It is more common in women and affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.
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Dermatomyositis affects multiple muscles and causes rashes. It is more common in women and can also affect children (juvenile dermatomyositis).
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Inclusion body myositis (IBM) causes weakness in the thigh muscles, forearm muscles, and muscles below the knee. This may also cause problems in swallowing (dysphagia). IBM is more common in men and affects people over the age of 50.
A doctor may suspect myositis based on a person’s symptoms of muscle weakness or other evidence of myositis. The tests for myositis include-
Blood tests: High levels of muscle enzymes, such as creatine kinase, may mean muscle inflammation. Other blood tests check for abnormal antibodies that can identify an autoimmune condition.
MRI scan: Using a high-powered magnet and a computer, a scanner creates images of the muscles. MRI scans can help identify areas of myositis and changes in the muscles over time.
EMG: By inserting needle electrodes into the muscles, the doctor can test the muscles’ response to electrical nerve signals. EMG can identify muscles that are weak or damaged by myositis.
Muscle biopsy: This is the most accurate test for diagnosing myositis. A doctor identifies a weak muscle, makes a small incision, and removes a small sample of the muscle tissue for testing. Muscle biopsy provides the final diagnosis in most people with myositis.