Myotonic Dystrophy - Treatment

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

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