It is an acute viral process in children characterised by pain and muscle weakness in the lower limbs. It impairs the mobility of the legs causing a tip-toed gait, the knees bent, even it completely prevents them from walking.
The cause is a previous respiratory infection by influenza A and B virus, parainfluenza, cytomegalovirus, rubella virus or retrovirus. It is believed to be the cause when a child has difficulty walking without having received a blow or exercised intensely.
The primary symptoms are respiratory ones (mucosity, a stuffy nose, fever, cough, etc.) and after 3-5 days, the rest of the symptoms appear: weakness and functional impotence of the legs and severe pain in the calves.
Diagnosis is made based on physical examination and blood tests.
The treatment is symptomatic, based on regular hydration, rest, analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Symptoms subside after 24-48h.
If you suspect the child to have acute myositis and have any of the above symptoms, see a paediatrician to treat the symptoms.
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- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Viral myositis; [citado el 12 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/viral-myositis?source=search_result&search=miositis+aguda+benigna&selectedTitle=2~15.
