What is Myotonic Dystrophy?

Myotonic Dystrophy is an inherited condition, and the commonest muscular dystrophy of adult life, affecting around 1 in 8000 adults

Many children are also affected by the condition either at birth or later. It is also by far the most variable neuromuscular disorder in terms of severity, age at onset and different body systems affected. The scientific name for Myotonic Dystrophy is “Dystrophia Myotonica”. It is often referred to as ‘DM’. Two differing types of DM have been identified – ‘DM1’ and ‘DM2’.

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Basic information in lay terms, principally relating to DM1:

• Variations in Myotonic Dystrophy
• How Myotonic Dystrophy can affect your health
• Congenital DM
• Myotonic Dystrophy and the Brain
• Myotonic Dystrophy and the Eye
• Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 (DM2)

Scientific information:

• What causes Myotonic Dystrophy (DM1)
• How is DM1 inherited?
• The Science: DM Type 1
• The Science: DM Type 2

Other available information and guidance:

• UK DM Patient Registry
• The range of Leaflets published by MDSG
• The Facts Book
• Links to a selection of informative videos