Symptoms of Polymyositis

The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. This disease affects the muscles responsible for voluntary movement, such as sitting and standing.

In general, polymyositis signs and symptoms may include:

• Weakness in muscles near the core of the body, such as the hips, thighs and shoulders
• Difficulty getting up from a chair or car
• Frequent falls
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Difficulty holding the arms overhead
• Trouble swallowing

If left untreated, polymyositis symptoms may get worse over time. Therefore, it is important to get an early, accurate diagnosis so the appropriate treatment can be started. An experienced neuromuscular doctor can help you get on a path to treatment quickly.

Learn more about polymyositis treatment at Stanford.