Myotonia is a medical term that refers to a neuromuscular condition in which the relaxation of a muscle is impaired. It can affect any muscle group. Repeated effort will be needed to relax the muscle, although the condition usually improves after the muscles have warmed-up.

What are myotonic disorders?

The myotonic disorders are a heterogeneous group of genetically determined diseases that are unified by the presence of myotonia, which is defined as failure of muscle relaxation after activation.

How many people have Paramyotonia?

Paramyotonia congenita is an uncommon disorder; it is estimated to affect fewer than 1 in 100,000 people.

What are the symptoms of myotonia?

Myotonia congenita is a genetic disease characterized by the inability of the skeletal muscles to quickly relax after voluntary movements. Symptoms typically begin in childhood and vary from person to person. They may include muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, and attacks of weakness brought on by movement after rest.

What is Becker’s disease?

Becker muscular dystrophy is in the category of inherited muscle wasting diseases caused by a gene abnormality (mutation) that results in deficient or abnormal production of the dystrophin protein (dystrophinopathies). The abnormal gene is called DMD and is located on the X chromosome.

What causes Schwartz Jampel syndrome?

Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is caused by mutations in the HSPG2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein known as perlecan. This protein is found in the extracellular matrix, which is the intricate lattice of proteins and other molecules that forms in the spaces between cells.

What is Pseudomyotonia?

1 Pseudomyotonia is defined as delayed relaxation in muscle contraction after a voluntary movement, and is characterized by the absence of myotonic discharges on EMG.

Are you born with myotonic dystrophy?

Congenital myotonic dystrophy is the early childhood form of myotonic dystrophy (also known as Steinert’s disease). Usually in myotonic dystrophy the symptoms begin to show in childhood or later in life, but symptoms of congenital myotonic dystrophy are evident from birth.

What is the difference between myotonic dystrophy 1 and 2?

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is caused by mutations in the DMPK gene, while type 2 results from mutations in the CNBP gene. The protein produced from the DMPK gene likely plays a role in communication within cells.

Is Paramyotonia congenita rare?

Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a rare non-progressive genetic disorder that affects the skeletal muscles. The disorder typically begins in infancy or early childhood.

Is myotonia congenita a disability?

The disease progresses slowly until 30 to 40 years of age and then appears to stabilize. The legs are more severely involved than the face or arms, and severe myotonia of the lower extremities may result in disability. Severe myotonic episodes may be associated with transient muscle weakness, especially in the hands.

Why does myotonic dystrophy worsen with each generation?

DM1 also exhibits a genetic inheritance pattern called anticipation. This means that the symptoms of the condition worsen and may appear earlier as the mutation is passed on from generation to generation. The type of mutation that causes myotonic dystrophy is called a nucleotide repeat expansion.

What is congenital myotonia?

Definition. Myotonia congenita is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by the inability of muscles to quickly relax after a voluntary contraction. The condition is present from early childhood, but symptoms can be mild.

Is myotonia curable?

There is currently no cure or specific treatment for myotonic dystrophy. Ankle supports and leg braces can help when muscle weakness gets worse. There are also medications that can lessen the myotonia. Other symptoms of myotonic dystrophy such as the heart problems, and eye problems (cataracts) can also be treated.

Can myotonia be prevented?

Myotonic dystrophy cannot be prevented because it is an inherited disorder. However, genetic counselors can help couples make informed decisions about starting a family.

Is Becker worse than Duchenne?

Becker MD is progressive, meaning problems get worse with age. Symptoms gets worse slowly compared with Duchenne MD. Breathing muscles tend to stay strong enough that a ventilator or other mechanical breathing help isn’t needed.

How is DMD inherited?

DMD is inherited as an X-linked disease. X-linked genetic disorders are conditions caused by an abnormal gene on the X chromosome and manifest mostly in males. Females that have a defective gene present on one of their X chromosomes are carriers for that disorder.

What is the difference between Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy?

Both Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are caused by mutations in a protein called dystrophin. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, functioning dystrophin is completely absent in muscle, while in Becker muscular dystrophy, there is some dystrophin present, although not enough for completely normal muscle function.

Is there a cure for Schwartz-Jampel syndrome?

Approach Considerations. The treatment of Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS) aims to reduce the abnormal muscle activity that causes stiffness and cramping. Treatment may include nonpharmacologic modalities, medication (including botulinum toxin [BOTOX]), or surgery.

How long do people with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome live?

SchwartzJampel syndrome (SJS) is a rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the perlecan gene (HSPG2) which causes osteochondrodysplasia associated with myotonia. Most people with SchwartzJampel syndrome have a nearly normal life expectancy.

What happens to a child with Schwartz-Jampel syndrome?

Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities of the skeletal muscles, including muscle weakness and stiffness (myotonic myopathy); abnormal bone development (bone dysplasia); permanent bending or extension of certain joints in a fixed position (joint contractures); and/or …

What causes Neuromyotonia?

Autoimmune neuromyotonia is typically caused by antibodies that bind to potassium channels on the motor nerve resulting in continuous/hyper-excitability. Onset is typically seen between the ages of 1560, with most experiencing symptoms before the age of 40.

What is percussion myotonia?

Paramyotonia congenita is a disorder that affects muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). Beginning in infancy or early childhood, people with this condition experience bouts of sustained muscle tensing (myotonia) that prevent muscles from relaxing normally.

Who is most likely to get myotonic dystrophy?

DM is the most common muscular dystrophy among adults of European ancestry. The prevalence of DM is about 10 cases per 100,000 individuals. Among nonwhite populations, DM1 is uncommon or rare.

What is myotonic dystrophy baby?

Babies with congenital DM1 have very weak muscles and a lack of muscle tone (hypotonia) rather than myotonia. They appear floppy, have trouble breathing, and suck and swallow poorly. In the past, many infants with congenital DM did not survive.

Is there a cure coming soon for myotonic dystrophy?

Myotonic dystrophy is a long-term genetic disorder that affects muscle function. It is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults and affects about one in 8,000 people. There is currently no treatment available.

What other names are there for myotonic dystrophy?

Dystrophia myotonica – a Latin name used by many doctors; often abbreviated as DM. The different types of DM are typically referred to as DM1 or DM2. DM1 is also known as Steinert’s Disease, named for the German doctor who first identified this disorder in 1909.

What happens if myotonic dystrophy is left untreated?

Weakened muscles might be unable to hold the spine straight. Heart problems. Muscular dystrophy can reduce the efficiency of the heart muscle. Swallowing problems.

What is the life expectancy of someone with myotonic dystrophy?

We found a median survival of 5960 years for the adult-type myotonic dystrophy. Reardon et al. (1993) found a median survival of 35 years for the congenital type. Thus, patients with the adult-type of myotonic dystrophy have a considerably better prognosis than those with the congenital type.