Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes

Congenital myasthenic syndromes comprise a rare heterogeneous group of diseases that impair neuromuscular transmission and are characterized by muscle fatigability and transient or permanent weakness. Symptoms are often present from birth or early childhood. These syndromes have a wide range of phenotypes and severity. Caused by genetic mutations in any of the numerous genes encoding for components of the neuromuscular junction. They are classified by where in the neuromuscular junction the mutated component is located: presynaptic, synaptic, or postsynaptic. Mutations in about 30 genes have been implicated. Diagnosis can be difficult. Treatment options vary depending on the specific genetic type.