Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory muscle disease characterized primarily by progressive muscle weakness, but its complications can extend far beyond just muscle symptoms. The complications arise both from the direct effects of muscle inflammation and weakness, as well as from…
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is caused by an autoimmune attack on the neuromuscular junction, which is the critical connection point where nerve cells communicate with muscles to trigger movement. In LEMS, the body’s immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that target…
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a complex neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. There are several variants of GBS, each with distinct signs and symptoms, though they share the common feature of nerve…
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects people who have previously had poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio. It usually appears many years—often decades—after the initial polio infection has resolved. The hallmark of PPS is a gradual onset of new…
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and often debilitating condition characterized by profound fatigue that does not improve with rest and worsens with physical or mental activity. Because there is no single known…
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood condition characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and tenderness in muscles, joints, and soft tissues. The exact cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, but research points to a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental…
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that primarily affects one limb, such as an arm or leg, often following an injury but sometimes without any clear cause. The symptoms of CRPS are diverse and can be…
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes **progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms**, primarily affecting the muscles of the trunk, back, and legs. The stiffness can be so severe that it impairs normal movement, making walking…
Still’s disease, also known as adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in children), is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by high fevers, rash, and joint pain. While the disease itself can be challenging to diagnose and manage,…
Sweet’s syndrome, also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a condition that causes sudden fever and painful, red skin lesions. Understanding what causes Sweet’s syndrome involves looking at a complex interplay of factors related to the immune system, infections,…