Myopathy treatment

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

Diagnostics

Because the symptoms often develop gradually at the beginning of the disease and are unspecific, it can take months to years before a diagnosis is made. However, finding a diagnosis is also complicated by the fact that there are many other clinical pictures that cause muscular problems. Differentiated clarification by specialists is therefore extremely important. The scope of the diagnostics is tailored to the individual patient.

Muscle strength and function test

Internationally standardized and validated tests are used to record limitations in muscle strength and endurance, which can then be taken into account when making treatment decisions. Patients for whom no further investigations are desired can be assigned specifically 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 clinically differentiate from neuromuscular diseases. 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 standardized assessment for patients with inflammatory myopathy to determine the current situation and subsequently discuss the findings. In half a day, an evaluation of muscle strength and function of affected muscle groups and a laboratory examination as well as optional MRI, E(N)MG or cardiopulmonary screening examinations or capillary microscopy are performed.

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 aims are to make a diagnosis, determine the current situation and/or optimize therapy.

Treatment

Due to the limitations that are often relevant to everyday life, the recording of all disease manifestations and quality of life plays a major role. The primary therapeutic goal is therefore to create an individualized treatment concept that includes an adapted training plan in addition to drug therapy. Advanced therapies enable most patients with inflammatory myopathies to reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Cooperations

There is close cooperation in particular with the Neuromuscular Center and the physiotherapy department of the USZ.

Together with the Clinic for Rheumatology at Balgrist University Hospital, we also offer inpatient rehabilitation for patients with inflammatory myopathies.

The following criteria determine whether a patient can be treated in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

  • Care requirements: mobilization possible with a caregiver, copes well cognitively, does not require sitting watch
  • No medical or technical examinations and treatments (e.g. extensive laboratory tests, MRI, dialysis, radiation, intravenous medication)

Allocation

Referring doctor (inpatients)

  • Submitting an application for cost approval and informing the in-house social services -> Contacting Balgrist Rehab’s social services: they coordinate the possible date of admission, check that the cost approval has been received and inform the patients.
  • Provide a current progress report (diagnosis, medication, procedure) and send it to the medical team leader at Balgrist Rehabilitation Center

Referring doctor (external outpatient)

  • Submitting an application for cost approval and informing Balgrist Rehab’s social services: they coordinate the possible date of admission, check that the cost approval has been received and inform the patients and external referring physicians.
  • Provide a current progress report (diagnosis, medication, procedure) and send it to the medical team leader at Reha Balgrist.

For patients

As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please get a referral from your primary care physician, specialist. For questions please use our contact form.

Contact form

For referrer

Easily assign your patient online.

Tel. +41 44 255 26 87
Assign online

Responsible Department