Myopathy Treatment

Inflammatory muscle diseases are rare systemic autoimmune diseases. Muscle pain and loss of strength, as well as involvement of other organ systems, can lead to impaired quality of life.

Diagnostics

As the symptoms often develop insidiously at the beginning of the disease and are non-specific, it can take months or even years before a diagnosis is made. The diagnosis is also complicated by the fact that there are many other diseases that cause muscular problems. A differentiated diagnosis by specialists is therefore extremely important. The scope of the diagnosis is adapted to the individual patient.

Muscle strength and function test

Using internationally standardised and validated tests, limitations in muscle strength and endurance are recorded and can thus be taken into account for therapy decisions. Patients for whom no further clarification is desired can be specially assigned for muscle testing.

Interdisciplinary consultation for inflammatory myopathies

This consultation is suitable for patients with inflammatory myopathy who either suffer from complex organ involvement or in whom it is difficult to differentiate clinically from neuromuscular disease patterns. Patients are examined together with specialists from other disciplines and discussed in a joint case presentation. A joint recommendation is made to the referring physician.

Outpatient myositis assessment

This is a standardised assessment for patients with inflammatory myopathy to determine the status of their condition, followed by a discussion of the findings. Within half a day, several procedures are performed: an evaluation of muscle strength and function of affected muscle groups and a laboratory examination as well as optionally an MRI, an E(N)MG or cardiopulmonary screening examinations or a capillary microscopy.

Inpatient myositis assessment

This is a short inpatient assessment for patients with suspected or diagnosed myopathy with close cooperation between doctors from various disciplines, physiotherapy specialists, nursing staff and social workers. The goals are to establish a diagnosis, determine the status and/or optimise therapy.

Treatment

Due to the limitations that are often relevant to everyday life, the recording of all manifestations of the disease and of the quality of life plays a major role. The foremost target of therapy is therefore the development of an individual treatment concept, which, in addition to drug therapy, also includes an tailored training plan. Advanced therapies enable most patients with inflammatory myopathies to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Cooperations

We work closely with the Neuromuscular Centre and the Department of Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy of the USZ.

In addition, we offer inpatient rehabilitation for patients with inflammatory myopathies together with the Clinic for Rheumatology, Balgrist University Hospital.

The following criteria are decisive in determining whether a patient can be treated in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

  • Care requirements: mobilisation possible with a nurse, cognitively coping well, no need for a 24-hour bedside nurse.
  • No medical or technical examinations and treatments (e.g. extensive laboratory tests, MRI, dialysis, radiation, i.v. medication).

Referral

Referring physician (inpatients)

  • Submission of a request for cost approval and informination to the in-house social service
    • Contacting the social service at Rehab Balgrist: the social service coordinates the possible admission date, checks that the cost approval has been received, informs the patient.
  • Provision of a current progress report (diagnosis, medication, procedure) and sending to the medical team leader at Rehab Balgrist

Referring physician (external outpatient)

  • Submission of a request for cost approval and information to the Social Service of Rehab Balgrist, who coordinates the possible admission date, checks receipt of the cost approval, informs the patients and the external referring physicians.
  • Provision of a current progress report (diagnosis, medication, procedure) and sending it to the medical team leader at Rehab Balgrist.

For patients

As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please have your primary care physician or specialist refer you. If you have any questions, please use our contact form.

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Please refer your patients online.

Tel. +41 44 255 26 87
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