MSK: Myopathy: Free MSRA Podcast

⚡️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Myopathies (Muscle Disorders)🎧 A high-yield deep dive into muscle weakness for your MSRA revision or on-the-go learning.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Myopathies are disorders where the primary problem is in the muscle fibres themselves, not the nerves.• They cause muscle weakness, often without sensory loss, and can be inherited or acquired.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Genetic: e.g. Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, congenital myopathies• Acquired: – Inflammatory (polymyositis, dermatomyositis) – Metabolic (thyroid disorders, diabetes) – Toxic (statins, alcohol, steroids, certain infections) – Endocrine (Cushing’s, hypothyroidism)Mnemonic: “GATE-MI” – Genetic, Autoimmune, Toxic, Endocrine, Metabolic, Infectious📌 Pathophysiology• Damage/dysfunction of muscle fibres: – Protein/structural defects (inherited) – Inflammation (autoimmune) – Metabolic derangement or toxin-induced injury• Weakness is usually proximal (hips, shoulders); sensation is usually normal📌 Clinical Features• Symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness (struggling to climb stairs, get up, lift objects)• Often no sensory symptoms• Reflexes usually normal early on• May have myalgia (muscle pain), muscle wasting, or rare complications (e.g. cardiac, respiratory)📌 Differential Diagnosis• Neuropathies (Guillain-Barré, CIDP)• Neuromuscular junction disorders (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton)• Motor neuron disease, metabolic bone disease📌 Diagnosis• Clinical history + exam: Pattern of weakness, family history• Bloods: Creatine kinase (CK) often raised• Autoimmune/thyroid screens as indicated• EMG: Confirms myopathic pattern• Muscle biopsy: Histology may show inflammation or dystrophy• Genetic testing: Key for inherited types• Urinalysis: Myoglobinuria in severe breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)📌 Management• Treat underlying cause (immunosuppression for inflammatory, stop causative drug, correct metabolic issues)• Physiotherapy and OT: Maintain strength and function• Genetic counselling for inherited types• Supportive aids: Braces, orthotics, mobility aids• Monitor for complications: Cardiac/respiratory, contractures, kidney injury📌 Complications & Prognosis• Variable: Some types are slowly progressive; others cause rapid decline• Potential complications: Respiratory failure, cardiac involvement, contractures, rhabdomyolysis, disability• Long-term care: Multidisciplinary input, family support, regular monitoring📎 MSRA Revision Resources – Myopathies📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/myopathies-revision-notes/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/myopathies-accordion-qa-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/myopathies-flashcards/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/myopathies-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/myopathies/#MSRA #Myopathies #MuscleWeakness #MSK #MSRARevisionNotes #MSRAQuiz #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision