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Muscle complaints are frequently reported symptoms which can occur in the context of numerous and not always primary muscle diseases. Further diagnostic steps are not always warranted. The presence of distinct warning symptoms represents the base for further decision making. Warning symptoms include among others myalgia/weakness/atrophy/hypertrophy of distinct muscle groups, fasciculations, dysphagia, bulbar signs, abnormal reflexes, signs for a systemic autoimmune disorder/connective tissue disease or a persisting CK elevation (>1000 U/l) even in asymptomatic patients. Depending on the indication important diagnostic steps include lab tests, MRI, E(N)MG, specific endurance tests, muscle biopsy or genetic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]