Serious Symptoms Of Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is a condition in which the muscle mass is decreased, and the muscle may partially or completely waste away. Patients can develop this condition as a result of the aging process, and it could occur due to broken bones or to spinal cord and nerve injuries. Burns, malnutrition, strokes, and long-term corticosteroid use place a patient at a higher risk for muscle atrophy as well. For some individuals, muscle atrophy may be a complication of an underlying medical condition such as muscular dystrophy, neuropathy, polio, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To diagnose muscle atrophy, patients may be asked to have blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography. Treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the underlying cause, and patients are usually offered physical therapy and ultrasound therapy. In cases where muscle atrophy is caused by malnutrition, doctors generally prescribe supplements, and dietary changes may be suggested. Surgery might be suggested to correct the contracture deformities that sometimes occur with this condition.