Dictionary

myalgia, epidemic See Bornholm disease.

myalgia Pain in the muscles or within muscle tissue.

mutism, akinetic A state in which a person is unable to speak (mute) or move (akinetic). Akinetic mutism is often due to damage to the frontal lobes of the brain.

mutism The inability or unwillingness to speak. See also apraxia of speech; autism; elective mutism; selective mutism.

mute 1 A person who does not speak, either because of an inability to speak or an unwillingness to speak. The term is specifically applied to a person who, due to profound congenital or early deafness, is unable to use articulate language and so is deaf-mute. 2 The condition of not speaking. See also apraxia…

mutation A change in a gene. Mutations can be caused by many factors, including random chance and environmental insult. See also missense mutation; point mutation.

mutant An individual with a mutant (changed) gene.

mutagen Something that is capable of mutating DNA. Among the known mutagens are radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses.

muscular dystrophy, tibial A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) in which weakness is usually confined to the anterior compartment (the front part) of the lower leg and, in particular, to the tibialis anterior muscle. The weakness usually starts at age 35 to 45, or even much later. Tibial MD is inherited in an autosomal dominant…

muscular dystrophy, oculopharyngeal A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that begins in the muscles of the eyes and throat. It usually appears between the ages of 40 and 60, and it progresses slowly. Oculopharyngeal MD is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and affects both males and females. One cause of oculopharyngeal MD is mutation…

muscular dystrophy, myotonic See dystrophy, myotonic.

muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle A form of muscular dystrophy (MD) that may begin in childhood or any time later, with slowly progressive weakness and wasting of the muscles in the hips or shoulders. Limb-girdle MD is caused by a number of genetic defects and can affect both males and females.