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Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

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Polymyositis

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Overview


Polymyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness.  Polymyositis affects skeletal muscles (those involved with making movement) on both sides of the body.  It is rarely seen in persons under age 18; most cases are seen in adults between the ages of 31 and 60.[1] The cause of polymyositis is not fully understood.[2][3] Although there's no cure for polymyositis, treatment can improve muscle strength and function.[1][2]


References

  1. NINDS Polymyositis Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/polymyositis/polymyositis.htm?css=print. Accessed November 18, 2010.
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Polymyositis. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/polymyositis/DS00334/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print. Accessed November 18, 2010.
  3. Pappu R, Seetharaman M. Polymyositis. eMedicine. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/335925-overview. Accessed November 18, 2010.
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General Information

  • MayoClinic.com provides information about polymyositis. Click on the above link to access this information.
  • MedlinePlus, a Web site designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, provides more information about this topic. Click on the link to view this information.
  • MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine Web site designed to help you research your health questions, provides general information on myositis. Click on the link to view this information.
  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. Click on the link to view this information. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Polymyositis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.