Who gets MH and why?

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MH is hereditary; it is passed on through the family. It affects males and females equally, and can occur in every ethnicity.

A person with MH has a 50% chance of passing that risk on to each child that they have.

MH is not contagious.

How do I know if I have MH?

A specialised muscle biopsy which is called an In Vitro Contracture test (IVCT) is currently the only certain test for MH. In some families a DNA (gene) test can be used to identify those at high risk, and these people do not need to have the muscle biopsy. A negative DNA test does not exclude MH.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure for the predisposition to MH. The management of MH involves avoiding the triggering agents during anaesthesia.  Safe anaesthesia can be given if the doctors know a person is at risk.

Can MH be treated?

Since the 1970’s a drug has been available that can help in the treatment of MH. It is called Dantrolene. It has been very effective in treating MH if used early in the MH crisis. It is not a cure for MH and is only for use in emergencies as it does not completely stop the events.