Myotonic dystrophy causes muscle weakness and wasting which is usually progressive. This condition is different from other muscular dystrophies in that it affects the face, jaw and neck muscles and less so the leg and thigh muscles.

Myotonic dystrophy frequently causes muscle stiffness, or 'myotonia', particularly in the hands. Other body systems, such as the heart, hormones and intellectual abilities may also be affected. The rate of deterioration is usually slow - some people never have significant muscle disability.

There are at least two forms which are both inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Most healthy adults will not be likely to develop or pass on the condition but a careful assessment by an expert is important as mild symptoms can be missed. The age of onset is highly variable between individuals.

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