Myotonia Acquisita (Talma's Disease)

Abstract

Myotonia acquisita is a rare disease first described by Talma in 1892. It is characterized by an increased muscular rigidity and spasm when movement is initiated, as well as a decrease in the power of relaxation even when the muscle is at rest. The myotonic reaction is also present, namely, a normal mechanical and electrical excitability of the motor nerves but an abnormally heightened mechanical and electrical excitability of the muscle. It differs from Thomsen's disease or myotonia congenita in that it is not congenital and usually develops in adult life following trauma, acute infection, or intoxication. Also it tends to improve spontaneously or go on to complete recovery, whereas, Thomsen's disease progresses through childhood to become stationary in adult life. The onset of the disease is variable and may be characterized by weakness, pain, or flaccid paralysis.

Krabbe¹ in 1934 reviewed the literature and found 34 cases of myotonia acquisita, while Moore² added another to the series in 1935. All of these cases were in men, the ages varying from 15 to 50 years in the 29 cases where the ages were reported.

CASE REPORT

The case reported here is that of a 45 year old white housewife who came to the Clinic with the complaint of “cramping of muscles and swelling of the joints.” In 1936 following a panhysterectomy for menorrhagia she developed her first symptom of cramping pain in the right calf with radiation down to the foot. This pain was not related to exercise and would. . .