What is the cause myoparesis?
Causes of myoparesis
Causes of myoparesis include:
- Infectious diseases: Viral infections such as influenza, mumps, and polio can cause myoparesis. Bacterial infections such as diphtheria and typhoid fever can also cause myoparesis.
- Immune-mediated diseases: Myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are two immune-mediated diseases that can cause myoparesis. In myasthenia gravis, the body produces antibodies that block the acetylcholine receptors on muscle cells, preventing them from receiving signals from the nerves. In Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, the body produces antibodies that block the calcium channels on nerve cells, preventing them from releasing acetylcholine.
- Metabolic diseases: Myoparesis can be caused by a variety of metabolic diseases, including diabetes, thyroid disease, and adrenal insufficiency. In diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and muscles. In thyroid disease, low thyroid hormone levels can slow down the metabolism and cause muscle weakness. In adrenal insufficiency, low levels of adrenal hormones can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Toxic substances: Myoparesis can be caused by exposure to a variety of toxic substances, including alcohol, heavy metals, and certain drugs. Alcohol can damage the nerves and muscles. Heavy metals such as lead and mercury can accumulate in the body and cause muscle weakness. Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs and corticosteroids, can also cause myoparesis.
- Genetic disorders: Myoparesis can be caused by a variety of genetic disorders, including muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and Pompe disease. Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness. Myotonic dystrophy is a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and stiffness. Pompe disease is a genetic disorder that causes a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase, which is necessary for the breakdown of glycogen.
- Nerve damage: Myoparesis can be caused by damage to the nerves that control the muscles. This can occur due to trauma, spinal cord injury, or stroke.
- Cancer: Myoparesis can be a symptom of cancer, especially if the cancer has spread to the muscles or nerves.