Myotonia congenita (patient information)

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Overview
Myotonia congenita is an inherited condition that affects muscle relaxation. It is congenital, meaning that it is present from birth.

What are the symptoms of Myotonia congenita?
The hallmark of this condition is the myotonia -- the inability of the muscle to quickly relax after contracting. For example, after a handshake, the person is only very slowly able to open and pull away his hand.

Early symptoms may include:
 * Difficulty in swallowing
 * Gagging
 * Stiff movements that improve when they are repeated
 * Shortness of breath or tightening of the chest at the beginning of exercise

Children with myotonia congenita often appear to be muscular and well-developed. The child may not have symptoms of myotonia congenita until age 2 or 3.

What causes Myotonia congenita?
Myotonia congenita is caused by a change (mutation) to a gene. It is passed down from either one or both parents to the children (inherited).

Myotonia congenita is believed to be caused by a problem in the part of the muscle cells that are needed for muscles to relax. Abnormal repeated electrical discharges occur in the muscles, causing a stiffness called myotonia.

Who is at highest risk?
People with a family history of myotonia congenita are at risk, as the condition is genetic.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of myotonia congenita.

Diagnosis
The doctor may ask if there is a family history of myotonia congenita.

Tests include:
 * Muscle biopsy
 * Test of the electrical activity in muscles (EMG)

Treatment options
Treatment for symptoms includes:
 * Mexiletine
 * Phenytoin
 * Procainamide

Where to find medical care for Myotonia congenita?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Myotonia congenita

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
People can do well with this condition. Symptoms only occur when a movement is first started. After a few repetitions, the muscle relaxes and the movement becomes normal. Symptoms may improve later in life.

Possible complications

 * Aspiration pneumonia caused by swallowing difficulties
 * Frequent choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing in an infant
 * Abdominal muscle weakness
 * Chronic joint problems