Inclusion Body Myositis

Overview

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a rare inflammatory muscular disorder that usually becomes apparent during adulthood. The disorder presents as slow progressive weakness and withering away (atrophy) of the muscles (myositis), especially of the arms and legs. Inclusion body myositis frequently is diagnosed when a patient is unresponsive to therapy prescribed for polymyositis.

Symptoms

  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Falling
  • Tripping
  • Hand weakness
  • Difficulty gripping
  • Difficulty pinching
  • Difficulty buttoning
  • Proximal muscle weakness
  • Distal muscle weakness
  • Wrist weakness
  • Finger muscle weakness
  • Quadricep muscle atrophy
  • Forearm atrophy
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Distal muscle weakness
  • Distal muscle atrophy
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Proximal muscle weakness
  • Proximal muscle atrophy
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle tenderness
  • Reduced deep tendon reflexes
  • Peripheral neuropathy

Prognosis

Prognosis for Inclusion Body Myositis: IBM is generally resistant to all therapies, and its rate of progression also appears to be unaffected by the present treatments. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Inclusion Body Myositis Information Page: NINDS)

Treatment

  • Symptomatic and supportive
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin
  • Physical therapy