The muscular system consists of muscles that allow the body to take part in gross movement. There are three types of muscles in the body: cardiac, skeletal and smooth. Cardiac muscle makes up the heart. Skeletal muscle covers most of your bones; smooth muscle is found in the bladder, uterus, blood vessels and digestive tract. Certain diseases are associated with the muscular system.
Familial Periodic Paralyses
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) says familial periodic paralyses is a disease characterized by alterations in the genes responsible for sodium and potassium regulation in nerves. The nerves control muscles and with alterations in them, the muscles are affected.
The NINDS says manifestations of familial periodic paralyses include weak muscles that can't contract. In fact, it says two types of periodic paralyses exist: hypokalemic periodic and hyperkalemic periodic. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis results from low potassium levels in the blood. Here, muscle weakness typically affects the arms and legs, and the weakness may last for more than an hour or more than a day. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis results from elevated blood potassium levels. This type of paralysis typically occurs in infants or early childhood, says the NINDS. Compared to hypokalemic periodic paralysis, the hyperkalemic form is less severe and lasts for a shorter period.
The NINDS says that simply avoiding intense exercise and carbohydrate-abundant meals can prevent familial periodic paralyses. Also, acetazolamide medication and oral potassium chloride solution may prevent hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
Polymyositis
The Mayo Clinic says polymyositis is a disease of muscle weakness and inflammation. It indicates that this muscular disease is typically found in adults between ages 30 and 50.
Symptoms of polymyositis include gradual muscle weakness that affects the trunk, hips, shoulders, thighs, neck and arms, the Mayo Clinic says. Over time, polymyositis can become so severe that it may be difficult to climb stairs, reach and lift objects. Other polymyositis manifestations include trouble swallowing (dysphagia), fatigue, muscle tenderness and trouble speaking.
Treatments for polymositis include taking such medications as corticosteroids, corticosteroid-sparing agents, intravenous immunoglobulin or tacrolimus. According to the Mayo Clinic, corticosteroids such as prednisone decrease muscle inflammation. Corticosteroid sparing agents such as azathioprine may be used when corticosteroid medications don't work. Increased levels of intravenous (given through the vein) immunoglobulin can block antibodies (proteins) that destroy the muscles. Tacrolimus is an anti-rejection medication that suppresses the immune system. It, too, can prevent antibodies from attacking muscles in the body.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
MedlinePlus says chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition characterized by muscle weakness, fatigue that lasts for six months or more, muscle aches, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Chronic fatigue syndrome can also lead to confusion, fever, memory problems and a sore throat. Unfortunately, the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown. However, the Epstein-Barr virus or the herpes virus-6 may be contributory, says MedlinePlus. Stress, environmental factors, medical illnesses and hereditary also plays a role in leading to chronic fatigue syndrome.
MedlinePlus says treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome includes taking antiviral medicaitions such as acyclovir to treat a herpes infection. Other treatments involve anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications and pain relievers.
