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inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Polymyositis affects skeletal muscles (those involved with making movement) on both sides of the body. It is rarely seen in persons under age 18; most cases are seen in adults between the ages of 31 and 60. The cause of polymyositis is not fully understood. Although there's no cure for polymyositis, treatment can improve muscle strength and function.Polymyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the
Last updated: 4/22/2009
- NINDS Polymyositis Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 2009; http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/polymyositis/polymyositis.htm?css=print. Accessed 11/18/2010.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Polymyositis. MayoClinic.com. July 10, 2009; http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/polymyositis/DS00334/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print. Accessed 11/18/2010.
- Pappu R, Seetharaman M. Polymyositis. eMedicine. November 6, 2009; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/335925-overview. Accessed 11/18/2010.
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- MayoClinic.com provides information about polymyositis. Click on the above link to access this information.
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