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Medindia » Consumer Health » Health Information » Myotonic Dystrophy - Clinical Features

Myotonic Dystrophy

Myotonic Dystrophy - Clinical Features
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 The disease is characterized by progressive deterioration (muscle wasting and weakness) of the muscles of the face, jaw, neck, and limbs.

 Patients with this defect have difficulty in relaxing their muscles following any vigorous effort, such as relaxing the grip after a firm handshake.

 In addition to the muscles, the central nervous system and other organs and tissues may be affected.

 Central nervous system disorders can lead to varying levels of mental retardation.

 Patients with severe form of myotonic muscular dystrophy have characteristic facial features such as long face, facial weakness, drooping eyelids, open, triangular shaped mouth (tent mouth), wasting of the muscles of the neck and jaw.

 Affected men have frontal baldness (loss of hair over the frontal region of the head).

 In addition, a characteristic high-stepping gait, abnormalities of the heart (cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm), endocrine abnormalities and cataracts may be seen.

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Posted by:  Emmab  Posted on: 04/13/2011
My husband has Myotonic Dystrophy and finds cycling and swimming a lot easier than walking. The cycling he likes better due to his feet and ankles hurting when walking. The swimming was adviced by his doctor as this works most of the body and he is not straining himself.

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Posted by:  R-Hughes  Posted on: 04/04/2011
New to the site: Was told I have it about 6 weeks ago don't know which type yet. was hoping to find out about pain manament as somedays are better than others.It seem to be worst in cold or hot weather the amount of pain is incressed.I walk everyday because I have a little dog and he make me go which is a good thing and it makes it enjoyable.

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Posted by:  kathy6  Posted on: 02/19/2010
New to this site. 5 adult daughters with Myotonic Dystrophy. one daughter wants to exercise by walking, but arms and shoulders become 'heavy' and walking not pleasurable. Any suggestions for her?

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Myotonic - Complete Medindia Resources
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