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Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

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The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
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Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Utility of Dissociated Intrinsic Hand Muscle Atrophy in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Published on: March 4, 2014

Proximal muscle weakness in a 15-year-old boy.

Marcia V Felker¹, Bhuwan P Garg

¹Department of Neurology, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. mamccann@iupui.edu

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology

|December 17, 2008

Summary

Proximal muscle weakness in children can stem from various conditions. This case highlights spinal muscular atrophy type III as a cause, distinct from typical myopathies.

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Tissue Triage and Freezing for Models of Skeletal Muscle Disease

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Published on: July 15, 2014

Area of Science:

Neurology
Pediatrics
Genetics

Background:

Proximal muscle weakness is a common pediatric concern with a wide range of potential causes.
Myopathies are frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of muscle weakness in children.

Observation:

A case study involving an adolescent male presenting with proximal muscle weakness.
The patient exhibited a mildly elevated creatine kinase level, a common biomarker for muscle damage.

Findings:

The diagnostic workup revealed spinal muscular atrophy type III (SMA III).
This contrasts with the initial suspicion of a myopathic process.

Implications:

Emphasizes the importance of considering neuromuscular junction disorders beyond primary muscle diseases.
Highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in pediatric proximal weakness.
Broadens the understanding of SMA III presentation in adolescents.