Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology

The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Preliminary Investigation of Myoelectric Control of an Assistive Neck Exoskeleton by Individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

IEEE transactions on neural systems and rehabilitation engineering : a publication of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society·2026

Same author

The Flail Limb Syndrome.

Muscle & nerve·2026

Same author

Genetic contributions to mitochondrial dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis etiology.

HGG advances·2026

Same author

Pearls & Oy-sters: Use of Short-Acting B-Agonist in DOK7-Related Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Treatment.

Neurology·2026

Same author

Predicting Motor Intent from Residual Neck Muscle Activity in Individuals with Neck Weakness from ALS.

Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference·2025

Same author

What Is in the Literature.

Journal of clinical neuromuscular disease·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy

Published on: October 31, 2025

Drug-induced myopathies.

Mark B Bromberg¹

¹From the Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.

Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease

|December 17, 2008

Summary

The exact incidence of drug-induced myopathies is unknown, but mild muscle disorders may be more common than suspected due to polypharmacy, especially in the elderly. Severe drug-induced myopathies are likely rare.

Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Neurology
Toxicology

Background:

Drug-induced myopathic disorders represent a significant clinical concern.
Estimating the incidence of these conditions is challenging due to varying definitions.
Cholesterol-lowering agents are frequently implicated as causative agents.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the contributing factors to drug-induced myopathies.
To review common medications associated with muscle disorders.
To discuss the potential prevalence of mild versus severe myopathies.

Main Methods:

Literature review of drug-induced myopathies.
Analysis of factors influencing myopathy incidence.
Case study review of offending drugs.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy

Published on: October 31, 2025

Main Results:

The precise incidence of drug-induced myopathies remains undetermined.
Mild muscle disorders may be more prevalent than previously thought, particularly in elderly patients on multiple medications (polypharmacy).
Severe myopathic disorders induced by drugs appear to be uncommon.

Conclusions:

Factors such as drug interactions and polypharmacy contribute to drug-induced myopathies.
While severe cases are rare, mild muscle symptoms might be underdiagnosed.
Further research is needed to accurately define and quantify drug-induced myopathies.