What type of disease is myotonic dystrophy?
Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a type of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive muscle loss and weakness. In myotonic dystrophy, muscles are often unable to relax after contraction. Other manifestations may include cataracts, intellectual disability and heart conduction problems.
What is the life expectancy of someone with myotonic dystrophy?
We found a median survival of 59–60 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.
How does someone get muscular dystrophy?
In most cases, muscular dystrophy (MD) runs in families. It usually develops after inheriting a faulty gene from one or both parents. MD is caused by mutations (alterations) in the genes responsible for healthy muscle structure and function.
Is muscular dystrophy a disease?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases characterized by weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue, with or without the breakdown of nerve tissue. There are 9 types of muscular dystrophy, with each type involving an eventual loss of strength, increasing disability, and possible deformity.
Is myotonic dystrophy serious?
Congenital myotonic dystrophy is often apparent at birth. Characteristic features include weak muscle tone (hypotonia), an inward- and upward-turning foot (clubfoot ), breathing problems, delayed development, and intellectual disability. Some of these health problems can be life-threatening.
What triggers myotonic dystrophy?
Myotonic dystrophy Type 1 is caused by a mutation in the DMPK gene. Type 2 myotonic dystrophy is caused by a mutation in the CNBP gene. Mutations in each of these genes involve a short segment of DNA that is abnormally repeated many times. This abnormal repetition forms an unstable region of the gene.
How serious is myotonic muscular dystrophy?
Do neurologists treat muscular dystrophy?
The so-called point person, or muscular dystrophy specialist, on your healthcare team is often a neurologist.
Does exercise help myotonic dystrophy?
Studies show that moderate exercise is safe and may be effective for individuals with myotonic dystrophy. 1-4 Even though exercise does not cure myotonic dystrophy, it can help optimize function and maintain strength.
How bad is myotonic dystrophy?
What is the prognosis for people with myotonic dystrophy?
The prognosis for people with MD varies according to the type and progression of the disorder. Some cases may be mild and progress very slowly over a normal lifespan , while others produce severe muscle weakness, functional disability, and loss of the ability to walk.
What are the most common myotonic dystrophy symptoms?
Gradually progressive muscular weakness
How does myotonic dystrophy affect your body?
Myotonic dystrophy is an inherited disease that leads to muscle weakness and loss. Myotonic dystrophy causes your muscles to become stiff when you use them. It also causes your muscles to have difficulty relaxing. Myotonic dystrophy affects other parts of your body, such as your heart, eyes, brain, and stomach.
Does myotonic dystrophy cause hair loss as well?
A medical condition characterized by high blood glucose, insulin resistance is commonly associated with both types of myotonic muscular dystrophy. Men are more likely than women to experience early baldness, but women who have DM 1 or DM 2 can have hair loss as well.