Myopathies

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Myopathy Follow-Up

Patients with myopathies generally visit their physician once a year or more often, depending on the progression of the disease.

Physical, Occupational, & Respiratory Therapy—The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) helps patients find health practitioners certified in these therapies. Although physical therapy cannot restore already weakened muscles, it can prevent healthy muscles from weakening. Occupational and respiratory therapy help patients learn to use special equipment that can improve a person's quality of life.

MDA Social Services—The MDA provides resources that help patients and their families with financial concerns.

Genetic Counseling—Genetic counselors can provide information on the risk of passing the disease to children.

Support Groups—Support groups help patients learn how to cope with the stress and complex range of emotions that often result from chronic illness.

Flu Shot—People with neuromuscular diseases are susceptible to complications from influenza (the flu) and should ask their physicians about receiving yearly flu shots.

Prognosis

If the underlying cause of the myopathy can be treated successfully, as in the case of endocrine myopathies, the prognosis is usually good. Progressive myopathies that develop later in life usually have a better prognosis than conditions that develop during childhood.

Patients with Duchenne MD rarely live beyond their middle to late 20s. Patients with Becker MD may live until middle age.

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