You are here:  Home » Disorders A - Z » Thyrotoxic Myopathy » 

NINDS Thyrotoxic Myopathy Information Page

Skip secondary menu
Synonym(s):   Myopathy - Thyrotoxic

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)


What is Thyrotoxic Myopathy?

Thyrotoxic myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder that may accompany hyperthyroidism (Graves' 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.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Thyrotoxic Myopathy Clinical Trials

Organizations

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 9A06 MSC 2560
Bethesda, MD   20892-2560
http://www.niddk.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-3583 TTY: 866-569-1162

 Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 East Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ   85718-3208
mda@mdausa.org
http://www.mda.org
Tel: 520-529-2000 800-344-4863
Fax: 520-529-5300
Related NINDS Publications and Information


Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



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.

Last updated January 29, 2009