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myotonia congenita

pathology
Also known as: Becker myotonia congenita, Thomsen myotonia congenita, Thomsen’s disease(Show More)

Quick Summary

Myotonia congenita is a rare, inherited ion channel disorder characterized by the difficulty of voluntary muscles to relax after contraction. This condition is often caused by mutations in the CLCN1 gene, which disrupts chloride flow in skeletal muscle fiber cells, leading to prolonged muscle contractions.1

There are two main forms: Thomsen myotonia congenita (autosomal dominant) and Becker myotonia congenita (autosomal recessive). Symptoms, which can appear in childhood or adulthood, may include lid lag, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and in severe cases, rigid paralysis after quick movements. A notable feature is the "warm-up effect," where muscle function improves with repeated movement. Unlike myotonic muscular dystrophy, myotonia congenita does not typically involve muscle degeneration but can lead to muscle hypertrophy. Treatment may involve medications like mexiletine, quinine, or phenytoin, though no cure exists.12

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