Myotonia atrophica
Overview
Myotonic dystrophy is an inherited disorder in which the muscles contract but have decreasing power to relax. With this condition, the muscles also become weak and waste away. (Source: Genes and Disease by the National Center for Biotechnology)
Symptoms
* Muscle stiffness * Muscle hypertrophy * Progressive muscle wasting * Progressive muscle weakness * Prolonged muscle tensing * Inability to relax muscles after moving * Impaired ability to release grip * Cataracts * Heart conduction defects * Balding in males * Infertility in males * Rigid muscles after attempting movement * Slow chewing * Slow swallowing * Slow talking * Slow walking * Large muscles * Overdeveloped muscles * Difficulty relaxing muscles * Difficulty releasing grip
Causes
* Reese-Ellsworth syndrome * Rieger Syndrome
Prognosis
Prognosis of Myotonic Dystrophy: non-progressive condition which may improve with age
Treatment
* No treatment - not all cases require treatment * Quinine * Phenytoin * Anticonvulsant drugs * Physical therapy
Resources
Myotonia atrophica: Another name for Myotonic Dystrophy