Thyrotoxic myopathy

Thyrotoxic myopathy
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Endocrinology, Neurology
Symptoms	Muscle weakness, muscle wasting, fatigue
Complications	N/A
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Hyperthyroidism
Risks
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, Electromyography, Thyroid function tests
Differential diagnosis	Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, Myasthenia gravis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antithyroid medication, Beta blockers, Radioactive iodine therapy, Thyroidectomy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common in individuals with hyperthyroidism
Deaths	N/A

Thyrotoxic myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder that may accompany hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease, caused by overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine).

Symptoms

Symptoms may include muscle weakness, myalgias (muscle tenderness), wasting of the pelvic girdle and shoulder muscles, fatigue, and/or heat intolerance.

Associated conditions

Thyroid myopathy may be associated with rhabdomyolysis (acute muscle breakdown), damage to the muscles that control eye movement, and temporary, but severe, attacks of muscle weakness that are associated with low blood potassium levels (known as periodic paralysis).

Prognosis

Prognosis is good with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

Treatment involves treated the underlying thyrotoxicosis and may include thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and sometimes partial or complete surgical removal of the thyroid.