What is Inclusion Body Myositis?

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies. The characteristics of the medical condition are chronic muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. The onset of muscle weakness in inclusion body myositis is generally gradual, and affect is close to the trunk of the body and also away from it.

Symptoms

Those with Inclusion body myositis (IBM) may experience muscle weakness in one side of the body. Falling and tripping are the notable symptoms of IBM. In many, the condition starts with weakness in the wrists and fingers to make it difficult for one to pinch, button or grip.

Among other signs of the condition are weakness of the wrist, finger muscles, atrophy (thinning or loss of muscle bulk) of the forearm muscles and quadricep muscles in the legs. Some may experience eating difficulty such as swallowing food becomes difficult.

Treatment

There is no treatment for Inclusion body myositis (IBM) and the condition is generally unresponsive to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Some studies suggest that intravenous immunoglobulin may have a slight, but short-lasting, beneficial effect in a small number of cases. Physical therapy has proved beneficial in maintaining mobility in some cases. Doctors may practice other therapies that can help deal with the condition are symptomatic and supportive.

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