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.

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.

Where did myotonic dystrophy originate from?

Causes. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is caused by mutations in the DMPK gene, while type 2 results from mutations in the CNBP gene. The protein produced from the DMPK gene likely plays a role in communication within cells.

What is Steinert myotonic dystrophy syndrome?

Myotonic muscular dystrophy type 1 (DM1), also known as Steinert disease, is the most common adult form of muscular dystrophy. It results from the expansion of a short (CTG) repeat in the DNA sequence of the DMPK (myotonic dystrophy protein kinase) gene (chromosome 19 or 3).

What is the difference between myotonic dystrophy and muscular dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of nine genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of muscles used during voluntary movement. Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is one of the muscular dystrophies. It is the most common form seen in adults and is suspected to be among the most common forms overall.

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.

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 discovered myotonic dystrophy?

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, beginning in adulthood. Since its first description in 1909 by Hans Steinert, our knowledge about DM1 has grown immensely.

What causes Steinert disease?

Type 1 DM (DM1), long known as Steinert disease, occurs when a gene on chromosome 19 called DMPK contains an abnormally expanded section located close to the regulation region of another gene, SIX5.

Are you born with myotonia?

What is congenital myotonic dystrophy? Congenital myotonic dystrophy is the early childhood form of myotonic dystrophy (also known as Steinert’s disease). Usually in myotonic dystrophy the symptoms begin to show in childhood or later in life, but symptoms of congenital myotonic dystrophy are evident from birth.

Does cold weather affect muscular dystrophy?

Winter weather should not directly affect muscular dystrophies. However, the limitations imposed by muscle weakness of any origin are magnified during the conditions of winter weather including the cold. These problems will resolve once these conditions change as do the seasons.

Is yoga good for muscular dystrophy?

Yoga for People With Muscular Dystrophy. No matter what your level of disability, a yoga practice is possible and offers mental and physical benefits. If you have one of the many forms of muscular dystrophy, you may think that your lack of mobility or flexibility would make yoga a major challenge or even impossible.