What is a myopathy?

Disease of muscle: By definition, this is a problem primarily associated with muscular damage and weakness. Classically, many of the disorders are hereditary, e.g., muscular dystrophy, but others may be autoimmune, such as polymyositis. The term implies focal involvement of muscle, as contrasted with neuropathy, which points to nerve problems.

Myopathy = muscle: weakness & wasting from abnormal structure or metabolism of muscle cells. OMIM.org lists 586 genetic defects that cause congenital myopathies. The many disorders that cause acquired myopathies are on clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/neurology/myopathy/. History, family history, physical & neurological exams, muscle biopsy, genetic & other lab studies are needed for diagnosis.