Assessment of autonomic function in myotonic dystrophy. Issue 6 (June 1991)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: den Heijer, J C; van Dijk, J G; Bollen, W L; Bos, J E; Wintzen, A R
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 54:Issue 6(1991)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 534
• Publication Date: 1991-06
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.54.6.531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Published reports suggested autonomic nervous system dysfunction in myotonic dystrophy but were inconclusive partly due to small patient numbers and because only a limited number of tests was used. Autonomic nervous system function with noninvasive tests was assessed in ten myotonic dystrophy patients and age and sex matched healthy controls. Statistically significant differences included reduction in the heart rate response to standing and in the blood pressure response to sustained handgrip. Latency of the pupillary light reflex was not different from controls but the time to reach peak velocity of contraction was significantly longer in the myotonic dystrophy group. It is argued that these results reflect dysfunction of voluntary and iris smooth muscle rather than autonomic nervous system dysfunction.