Unexplained loss of muscle mass - Rebalance Clinic

What is Unexplained Loss of Muscle Mass?

Unexplained loss of muscle mass, also known as idiopathic sarcopenia, is a concerning condition where muscle seems to waste away or atrophy for unknown reasons. This can happen even with adequate nutrition and exercise.

Potential Causes

Some potential causes that may lead to unexplained muscle wasting include:

• Inflammatory diseases - Diseases that cause systemic inflammation like cancer or autoimmune conditions can accelerate muscle breakdown.
• Nerve damage - If nerves leading to muscles are damaged, the muscles can weaken and shrink from disuse. This is seen in conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Medications - Certain drugs used to treat medical conditions like steroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants, etc. can rarely cause muscle loss as a side effect.
• Aging - Gradual age-related loss of muscle mass is called sarcopenia. But more rapid wasting in seniors may suggest an underlying condition.

Investigations

Doctors would typically do the following tests to get to the root cause:

• Physical exam to check muscle strength and mass
• Blood tests to check muscle enzymes, electrolytes, hormones, inflammatory markers
• Nerve conduction studies if nerve issues are suspected
• Muscle biopsy to examine muscle tissue under the microscope
• Imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound to visualize muscles

Consequences

Some key issues that can happen with rapid wasting of muscles include:

• Weakness - Difficulty moving, walking, breathing if respiratory muscles affected
• Fatigue - Excessive tiredness and reduced endurance
• Falls - Muscle weakness increases falls risk resulting in injuries
• Disability - Interferes with activities of daily living and self-care
• Metabolic issues - Disturbances in protein/mineral metabolism
• Psychological distress - Due to appearance changes or losing independence

Treatment

• Identify underlying cause - The first priority is diagnosis and treating any condition causing it.
• Nutritional support - High protein intake fights muscle breakdown along with calories, vitamins.
• Exercise - Physical therapy with strength training helps rebuild muscle.
• Medications - Certain drugs may be used alongside other measures in some cases.

Rapid and unexplained muscle loss is an alarming symptom that needs medical evaluation to detect and manage any serious associated conditions. Catching it early and taking a targeted approach to protect remaining muscle can significantly impact quality of life.

For more information, visit Rebalance Clinic .