Synonyms|Editors|Languages|Comments|Home|Sponsors|Health Information
 
  Thyrotoxic Myopathy 
Synonym(s):  Myopathy - Thyrotoxic
Reviewed  05-06-2003  

Get Web page suited for printing
Email this to a friend or colleague
Studies with patients

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Thyrotoxic Myopathy?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

What is Thyrotoxic Myopathy?
Thyrotoxic myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder that may accompany hyperthyroidism (Grave’s disease, caused by overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine). Symptoms may include muscle weakness, wasting of the pelvic girdle and shoulder muscles, fatigue, and heat intolerance. Muscle breakdown may occur in acute cases. Physical acts such as climbing stairs may be difficult. Patients may develop muscle damage to the eyes and eyelids, which may affect mobility of the eye muscles, and temporary, but severe, attacks of muscle weakness known as periodic paralysis.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment is based on treatment for hyperthyroidism and may include prescription of iodine and other drugs, beta-blockers, and surgery. Myopathy may improve by restoring normal thyroid function. Complete or partial removal of the thyroid may be required in severe cases.

What is the prognosis?
With treatment, muscle weakness may improve or be reversed.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports a broad range of research on neuromuscular disorders such as thyrotoxic myopathy. Much of this research is aimed at learning more about these disorders and finding ways to prevent and treat them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 9A04
Bethesda, MD 20892-2560
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-3583

Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718-3208
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mdausa.org/
Tel: 520-529-2000 800-572-1717
Fax: 520-529-5300

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Myopathy 
Myopathy information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).


NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892




Return to top


Home | About NINDS | Disorders | Funding | News & Events | Find People | Jobs & Training | Accessibility

H H S Logo - link to U. S. Department of Health and Human Services     N I H logo - link to U. S. National Institutes of Health    N I N D S logo - link to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke    FirstGov Logo - link To FirstGov