INCLUSION BODY MYOSITIS

SYMPTOMS

There are various symptoms associated with IBM, mainly focusing on muscles throughout the body that are needed for moving certain parts of the limbs (i.e. knuckles & wrists muscles, leg muscles, etc.). The symptoms and weakening of the muscles will happen gradually over time, occurring from a few months to some few years.

Noticeable symptoms that will most likely appear first in affected individuals are falling and tripping, and some will start as weakness of the hands. Other symptoms for this disease are listed below:

• Pinching, gripping, and buttoning difficulties
• Wrist and finger muscle weakness
• Shrinking or wasting of the forearm muscles (atrophy)
• Weakness of the quadriceps muscles (large front thigh muscles), with visible wasting on it
• Lower leg muscles weakening, usually below the knees
• Esophageal muscles weakening, wherein it can result in dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) for 30% to 40% of infected patients
• Other muscle groups undermining as the disease progresses

TREATMENT

Unfortunately, as of this time, there are no concrete treatments and medications for this kind of disease. It has been recorded that it is not responding to the two known anti-inflammatory medicines in the market today, namely corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Those two medications are also used for autoimmune conditions treatment, but then again, both don’t work on IBM.

However, there is still a chance that some medications can at least alleviate the symptoms of the disease. One of those medications that can help a bit is called immunoglobulin. Yet, sadly, its effects do not last long most of the time.

Physical therapy may also be prescribed for people who have this disease. Joint treatments are generally done to keep and maintain mobility by making those joints mobile. For swallowing therapies, treatment is usually symptomatic and supportive.