Myoparesis: Causes, Symptoms & Potential Treatments

Causes of Myoparesis (Muscle Weakness)

• Infectious diseases: Viral (influenza, mumps, polio); bacterial (diphtheria, typhoid fever).
• Immune-mediated disorders: Myasthenia gravis (ACh receptor antibodies), Lambert-Eaton syndrome (calcium channel antibodies).
• Metabolic diseases: Diabetes (neuropathy/myopathy), thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency.
• Toxic exposures: Alcohol, heavy metals (lead, mercury), certain drugs (chemotherapy, corticosteroids).
• Genetic disorders: Muscular dystrophies, myotonic dystrophy, Pompe disease.
• Nerve damage: Trauma, spinal cord injury, stroke.
• Cancer: Paraneoplastic syndromes or direct invasion of nerves/muscles.

Note

This article outlines causes. Symptoms (fatigue, weakness, ptosis, diplopia, etc.) and treatments vary widely by etiology. A neurologist should evaluate persistent or progressive weakness.