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Medline NLM definition of Polymyositis: Diseases characterized by inflammation involving multiple muscles. This may occur as an acute or chronic condition associated with medication toxicity (DRUG TOXICITY, NERVOUS SYSTEM); CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES; infections; malignant NEOPLASMS; and other disorders. The term polymyositis is frequently used to refer to a specific clinical entity characterized by subacute or slowly progressing symmetrical weakness primarily affecting the proximal limb and trunk muscles. The illness may occur at any age, but is most frequent in the fourth to sixth decade of life. Weakness of pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles, interstitial lung disease, and inflammation of the myocardium may also occur. Muscle biopsy reveals widespread destruction of segments of muscle fibers and an inflammatory cellular response.
Myositis: information from the NHS website
Myositis: Polymyositis & Dermatomyositis: information from Patient UK website
Polymyositis: factsheet from NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (US site)
Polymyositis: information from NORD, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (US site)
PubMed Medline search on Polymyositis
Support Groups
Myositis UK (formerly Myositis Support Group)
Charity providing information, help and support for people who are diagnosed with myositis and their families, and practical advice and research into Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Juvenile Dermatomyositis and Inclusion Body Myositis.
The Myositis Association (of America) also provides information about polymyositis and dermatomyositis. (US site)
Brain and Spine Foundation
Information on living with a neurological condition and on diagnosis. There are publications and resources. The useful glossary of neurological conditions (under 'Information and support') includes links to some other organisations as well as to Brain and Spine Foundation information.
Neurological Alliance
Collective voice for 80 organisations, including stroke and brain injury. Organisations are listed at https://www.neural.org.uk/our-members/, a good place to start if looking for information on those conditions. Site also includes information about living with a neurological condition, a glossary, and information about onset and diagnosis as well as a small set of real life stories.
NHS Inform: brain, nerves and spinal cord
NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service, with the aim of providing the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.