What is Wasting Syndrome?

Wasting syndrome, also known as muscle atrophy, is the loss or wasting away of muscle tissue. There are two major types of muscle atrophy that occurs. One is disuse atrophy and the other is neurogenic wasting syndrome.

Types of wasting syndrome

Disuse atrophy - This type of muscle wasting occurs from the lack of exercise. For most people, wasting syndrome is the result of not using the muscles well enough. Individuals having sitting jobs, medical conditions that limit the movement, or have low levels of activity may lose muscle tone to the point of developing wasting syndrome. This type of wasting syndrome can be corrected with better nutrition and exercise.

People who are confined to the bed may have considerable muscle wasting. Astronauts, who are away from Earth's gravity, often lose muscle tone and experience calcium loss from their bones subsequent to just a few days in the weightlessness of space.

Neurogenic wasting syndrome - This is the most severe type of wasting syndrome. Neurogenic wasting syndrome occurs with nerve injury, or when there is a disease of the nerves which connects to muscle tissue.

Here are some examples of diseases of neuromuscular diseases which can cause wasting syndrome:

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

Gillian-Barre syndrome

Polio (poliomyelitis)

Causes of wasting syndrome

Oftentimes, wasting syndrome occurs with aging. Some other causes include:

Alcohol related myopathy

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

Burns

Dermatomyositis

Guillain-Barre syndrome

Injury

Long-term corticosteroid therapy

Long-term immobilization

Motor-neuropathy (such as diabetic neuropathy)

Muscular dystrophy

Osteoarthritis

Polio

Polymyositis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Severe malnutrition

Spinal cord injury

Stroke

Diagnosis of wasting syndrome

These tests should be performed for the diagnosis of wasting syndrome:

Blood tests

Biopsy of Muscle or nerve

CT scans

EMG (Electromyography)

MRI scans

Nerve conduction studies

X-rays

Treatment for wasting syndrome

Treatment for wasting syndrome can consist of ultrasound therapy, and in some cases surgery may be indicated to prevent or correct a muscle contracture. The doctor may order a physical therapist to work with the patient towards rebuilding or retaining muscle mass. Range of motion exercises will help people who are not able to move their joints on their own. It may also be indicated to use splints or braces on the limbs to aid in body alignment and movement.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing unexplained muscle weakness over significant amount of time, consult with your doctor. You may be able to see evidence of wasting syndrome when you compare one arm, hand or leg with the other. The doctor will carry out a physical assessment and ask questions regarding your medical symptoms and history. They physician will examine your arms and legs to assess muscle size, and determine which nerve is malfunctioning.

Source:

Medline Plus