Inclusion body myositis

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a disease of muscle, which causes muscles to become thin and weak. It was recognised as a disease in its own right in the 1960's. It usually occurs in middle to late life and is more common in men than women. We don't know how many people in the UK are affected but it is the most common muscle disease diagnosed after the age of 50. Nevertheless, it is sufficiently rare that most general practitioners will not have looked after patients with IBM before, and many doctors will not have heard of the condition.