Trial of diazepam in myotonia

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Abstract
Eleven patient? (10 with myotonia dystrophica and 1 with myotonia congenita) underwent a 6-week, double-blind, single crossover study in order to test the ability of diazepam (Valium) to reduce myotonia. Although some clinical improvement was noted in 4 patients, particularly dramatic in 1, the results were not statistically significant. Percussion myotonia was unchanged in all. Many uncontrollable variables were encountered during the project; these complicated the data analysis, particularly in this small patient series. Side effects from Valium[long dash]sedation and ataxia[long dash]were somewhat common. It is suggested that Valium may be useful in selected patients with disorders of muscle relaxation, but it cannot be recommended as a standard therapeutic agent in treatment of myotonia at this time. Further study with a larger patient population appears warranted. All physicians contemplating double-blind, crossover studies are strongly urged to check carefully the supplied placebo first.