Diagnosing Dermatomyositis at Stanford

At Stanford's Neuromuscular Program, our doctors have decades of experience diagnosing even the rarest diseases of the muscles and nerves. This extensive experience often helps us reach a diagnosis more quickly than another doctor might.

The process for diagnosing dermatomyositis may include:

• Complete medical history and physical examination, including history of systemic diseases and careful examination to discern the pattern of muscle involvement.
• Electrodiagnostic tests (EMG/NCS): Our neuromuscular neurologists assess muscle and nerve function using a machine that measures electrical signals in individual muscles and nerves. Learn more about electromyography.
• Laboratory tests: Your blood is checked for muscle enzymes, antibodies that are associated with autoimmune diseases, and other possible causes of muscle weakness.
• Imaging studies: You may undergo non-invasive testing like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm muscle inflammation.
• Muscle biopsy: Examination of a small sample of muscle tissue to look for abnormalities that may establish a diagnosis

Learn more about dermatomyositis treatment at Stanford.