A rare form of muscular dystrophy in which muscles that control the eyelids and swallowing are primarily affected. Ptosis and dysphagia beginning in the late 40s or early 50s are characteristic symptoms. Limb weakness frequently follows. The disease occurs most often in French-Canadian or Hispanic kindreds.
Myotonic dystrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy, affects both adult males and females, leading to weakness in the eye muscles and throat.