Definition - a disease in which overproduction of thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland, damages the muscles

Cause - often an autoimmune disease, a mistaken attack by the immune system, in this case on the thyroid gland

Onset - average is in 40s

Symptoms -weakness and wasting of muscles around shoulders and sometimes hips; possible weakness of muscles in face, throat and in respiratory muscles; possible damage to muscles controlling eyes and eyelids; possible severe attacks of muscle weakness

Progression - can usually be alleviated by restoring normal thyroxine levels through medication or surgery

Inheritance - There appears to be a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.

Facts About Myopathies