NINDS Thyrotoxic Myopathy Information Page

Synonym(s): Myopathy - Thyrotoxic

Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Thyrotoxic Myopathy?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Clinical Trials
Organizations

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, myalgias (muscle tenderness), wasting of the pelvic girdle and shoulder muscles, fatigue, and/or heat intolerance. Thyroid myopathy may be associated with rhabdomyolysis (acute muscle breakdown), damage to the muscles that control eye movement, and temporary, but severe, attacks of muscle weakness that are associated with low blood potassium levels (known as periodic paralysis).

Is there any treatment?

Treatment involves restoring normal levels of thyroid hormone and may include thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, and sometimes partial or complete surgical removal of the thyroid.

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

Column1	Column2
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 800-572-1717 Fax: 520-529-5300

Related NINDS Publications and Information

NINDS Myopathy Information Page
Myopathy information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
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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.

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Last updated October 4, 2011