myotonia

Disorder causing difficulty relaxing contracted voluntary muscles. All or only a few may be affected. Myotonia seems to originate in the muscles (myopathy) rather than the nervous system. Certain toxins can cause it. A hereditary form, myotonia congenita (Thomsen disease), can affect eyelid and eye motion, swallowing, or talking. Quick movements cause muscle stiffening. There is also a myotonic form of muscular dystrophy. Analgesics, anesthetics, and anticonvulsant drugs can alleviate the symptoms.