The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
genetic disorder causing progressive muscle wasting and weakness
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1), also known as Steinert disease, is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. It is caused by a mutation in the DMPK gene, leading to an abnormal expansion of DNA repeats that disrupts normal cellular function. Symptoms can include muscle stiffness (myotonia), cataracts, heart conduction defects, and endocrine changes, and the severity can vary widely among individuals.