The disorder is caused by mutations in a gene responsible for shutting off electrical excitation in the muscles. Myotonia congenita is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by the inability of muscles to quickly relax after a voluntary contraction.

What are symptoms of myotonia congenita?

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 SMA1?

Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, which is also known as spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) or acute spinal muscular atrophy, refers to individuals who have symptom onset prior to 6 months of age. SMA 2 patients will show symptoms prior to age 1 year, will sit but never walk.

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 myotonia congenita a disease?

Myotonia congenita is a rare genetic disorder in which an abnormality of voluntary (skeletal) muscle fiber membranes causes an unusually exaggerated response to stimulation (hyperexcitability).

What does myotonia feel like?

The main symptom of myotonia congenita is stiff muscles. When you try to move after being inactive, your muscles spasm and become rigid. Your leg muscles are most likely to be affected, but the muscles of your face, hands, and other parts of your body can also get stiff. Some people have only mild stiffness.

Who is Werdnig Hoffmann?

What is myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease)?

Myotonia Congenita (Thomsen Disease and Becker Type) What is myotonia congenita? Myotonia congenita is an inherited myopathy, a disease that causes problems with the tone and contraction of skeletal muscles. It doesn’t cause muscle atrophy (shrinkage); instead, it sometimes can cause muscle enlargement and increased muscle strength.

What is Thomsen disease?

Thomsen Disease. Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a muscular disorder characterized by prolonged muscle tension following voluntary contraction (Gutmann & Phillips, 1991).

Does myotonia cause muscle atrophy?

It doesn’t cause muscle atrophy (shrinkage); instead, it sometimes can cause muscle enlargement and increased muscle strength. There are two types of myotonia congenita: Becker-type myotonia is the most common form, while Thomsen disease is a very rare, relatively mild form.

What are the symptoms of mymyotonia?

Myotonia causes muscle stiffness that can interfere with movement. In some people the stiffness is very mild, while in other cases it may be severe enough to interfere with walking, running, and other activities of daily life. These muscle problems are particularly noticeable during movement following a period of rest.