These commonly asked questions have been answered by Professor Peter S Harper an expert in Myotonic Dystrophy. Simply click on the question that interests you to find the answer.

Q1. What is the difference between myotonic dystrophy and muscular dystrophy?

Q2. I have just been diagnosed as having Myotonic Dystrophy at the age of 20. Will my muscle symptoms get worse?

Q3. After Myotonic Dystrophy was found in my family, I was checked and told that I have it mildly. I am aged 60 and have no muscle symptoms at all, only cataracts. Will I become totally affected?

Q4. My husband is 45 and is worried that he may need to use a wheelchair in the future is that likely?

Q5. My son has been found to have Myotonic Dystrophy, and he is having a lot of learning problems at school. Could this be related and should I tell the school?

Q6. I have been told that I should have regular heart tests. Why is this needed if Myotonic Dystrophy is a muscle disease?

Q7. Will the condition pass on to my children? I have been told that only male are affected, but I am a woman, so how can you explain this?

Q8. I am aged 25 and am quite healthy, but my father and sister both have Myotonic Dystrophy. I should like to start a family soon, but am worried that any children might be affected. What should I do? Should I ask for tests in pregnancy?

Q9. I have Myotonic Dystrophy but my 10 year old daughter seems fine at present. Should I have her tested?

Q10. My first child died soon after birth with the congenital form of Myotonic Dystrophy. What is this and will it happen again if I have another child?

Q11. I have heard that Myotonic Dystrophy is due to an 'unstable gene' and that this is why it gets worse with each generation. Could you explain this please?

Q12. I have been told that anaesthetics and operations can be dangerous for people with Myotonic Dystrophy. Is this true? What can I do about this?

Q13. I have been told that I carry the Myotonic Dystrophy mutation but I have no symptoms and all my other test results are normal. Am I at risk for operations or anaesthetics?

Q14. Is cancer more common in Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q15. My father has had Myotonic Dystrophy for a long time and is now getting a lot of chest infections. Are these connected?

Q16. I get a lot of cramping abdominal pain and bowel symptoms that my doctor says are due to 'irritable bowel'. Could this be connected with my Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q17. I always seem to feel tired. Is this due to my Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q18. Should I be on regular medicines?

Q19. Are exercises or a special diet of any use in Myotonic Dystrophy?

Q20. Is it all right to continue driving? Everyone tells me that I drive safely and it is important to help me continue working.

Q21. I know that a lot of research is going on. Is it likely that this will result in a treatment that will help?