Myotonia congenita

Thomsen's disease; Becker's disease

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Definition

Myotonia congenita is an inherited condition that affects muscle relaxation. It is congenital, meaning that it is present from birth. It occurs more frequently in northern Scandinavia.

Causes

Myotonia congenita is caused by a genetic change (genetic variant). It is passed down from either one or both parents to their children (inherited).

Myotonia congenita is caused by a problem in the part of the muscle cells that are needed for muscles to relax. Abnormal repeated electrical signals occur in the muscles, causing a type of muscle stiffness called myotonia.

Symptoms

The hallmark of this condition is myotonia. This means the muscles are unable to quickly relax after contracting. For example, after a handshake, the person is only very slowly able to open and pull away their hand.

Early symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Gagging
  • Stiff movements that improve when they are repeated
  • Shortness of breath or tightening of the chest at the beginning of exercise
  • Frequent falls
  • Difficulty opening eyes after forcing them closed or crying

Children with myotonia congenita often look muscular and well-developed. They may not have symptoms of myotonia congenita until age 2 or 3.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider may ask if there is a family history of myotonia congenita.

Tests include:

Treatment

As cold and stress can worsen symptoms, management is first directed at avoiding these potential triggers. Some forms of exercise may also be beneficial. Mexiletine is a medicine that treats symptoms of myotonia congenita. Other treatments include:

  • Phenytoin
  • Procainamide
  • Quinine (rarely used now, due to side effects)
  • Carbamazepine

Support Groups

The following resources can provide more information on myotonia congenita:

Outlook (Prognosis)

People with this condition can do well. Symptoms only occur when a movement is first started. After a few repetitions, the muscle relaxes and the movement becomes normal.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

  • Aspiration pneumonia caused by swallowing difficulties
  • Frequent choking, gagging, or trouble swallowing in an infant
  • Long-term (chronic) joint problems
  • Weakness of the abdominal muscles

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if your child has symptoms of myotonia congenita.

Prevention

Couples who want to have children and who have a family history of myotonia congenita should consider genetic counseling.

References

Bryan ES, Alsaleem M. Myotonia congenita. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Updated August 28, 2023. PMID: 32966006 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562335/.

Kang MK, Kerchner GA, Ptácek LJ. Channelopathies: episodic and electrical disorders of the nervous system. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 98.

Manzur AY. Muscular dystrophies. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 649.

Selcen D. Muscle diseases. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 389.

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Review Date: 3/31/2024

Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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