Treatment of Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

Although myotonic dystrophy cannot be cured, treatment directed at providing symptomatic relief to affected patients can be given.
Mild cases of myotonic dystrophy do not require any treatment.
More severe cases might demand treatment with quinine, phenytoin and other similar anticonvulsant drugs. Treatment is directed at providing symptomatic relief to affected patients.
Muscle function may be preserved to some extent with rehabilitation therapy or physical therapy. Such forms of treatment can preserve muscle strength and flexibility.
Patients may be provided with canes, ankle and wrist braces, or other supportive devices.

Patients with cardiac and respiratory problems can be treated using a cardiac pacemaker and ventilator respectively.
Urging the patient to indulge in a high fiber diet can prevent constipation.
Cataract surgery in the form of lens replacement may be done to improve the vision of affected patients.
Occupational therapy can help the patient find alternatives to loss of muscle strength and dexterity and can ensure restoration of functionality of the affected patient to the maximum possible extent.
A speech and language specialist can provide assistance in coherent speech and swallowing food.
Pregnant women with myotonic dystrophy should be closely monitored during pregnancy to avoid any complications during pregnancy, labor or delivery.

Myotonic Dystrophy - References

Muscular Dystrophy - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/musculardystrophy.html)
Muscular Dystrophy Information Page - (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/md/md.htm)
Basic Human Genetics - Elaine Johansen Mange & Arthur P. Mange
Medical Genetics - Lynn B. Jorde, John C. Carey, Raymond L. White

Published on Apr 01, 2008
Last Updated on Apr 03, 2008

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manubabu

My elder brother Mr Chittaranjan Sahoo aged 45 from Keonjhar Dist ,state-Odisha ,India is seriously affected in the Hereditary Mytonica Dystrophy diseases and now treatment in SCB Medical college Odisha under the Dr Prop. Ashok Mallick and Dr. LULUP Ku Sahoo in the Dept of NEUROLOGY . But they told us that their is no such successive treatment for the diseases ? Is it true plz help us and suggest the better treatment

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vicky1181

New to this site. Been diagnosed with mynotonic dystrophy at the age of 10. I was born with this. I was told it hasnt progressed any since the age of 10 but, why do i find it difficult to do the things i used to do? I used to be able to walk long distances, run, excercise. Now at the age of almost 32, i find it extremely difficult to do those things. I can walk but have to stop for frequent breaks. I cant run anymore, nor excericse like i used to. If it hasnt progressed any, why am i having so much trouble doing the things i used to do?

Iqbal_Hussain

My wife had been diagnosed with MD, we are in Delhi and not been able to locate a proper doctor. I will be grateful if somebody can refer a competent doctor to us. I also will be obliged if somebody can guide me if my kids 12 yrs and 4 yrs need a genetic screening

Emmab

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.

R-Hughes

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.

Myotonic Dystrophy - Treatment

Treatment of Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

Myotonic Dystrophy - References

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