Inclusion Body Myositis

An inflammatory muscle disease that is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. The onset of muscle weakness in IBM is generally gradual (over months or years). Falling and tripping are usually the first noticeable symptoms. For some patients, the disorder begins with weakness in the hands causing difficulty with gripping, pinching, and buttoning. IBM occurs more frequently in men than in women and affects both the proximal (closest to the center of the body) and distal (farthest from the center of the body) muscles. There may be weakness of the wrist and finger muscles and atrophy of the quadricep muscles in the legs. Atrophy or shrinking of the forearms is also characteristic. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) occurs in approximately half of IBM cases. Symptoms of the disease usually begin after the age of 50, although the disease can occur earlier.