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Living with Hereditary inclusion body myopathy-joint contractures-ophthalmoplegia syndrome

A rare inherited muscle condition with early weakness, stiff joints, and trouble moving the eyes.

Understanding Hereditary inclusion body myopathy-joint contractures-ophthalmoplegia syndrome

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy with joint contractures and ophthalmoplegia is a rare inherited muscle and nerve condition.

It starts early with weakness in the muscles close to the body's center or throughout the body. People have weak eye movement (external ophthalmoplegia), with or without drooping eyelids, and stiff joints (contractures). Some have low muscle tone, newborn breathing trouble needing a ventilator, and severe trouble swallowing. Severity varies, it is non- or slowly progressive, and people typically remain able to walk.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Based on the summary, it can include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Trouble moving the eyes (ophthalmoplegia)
  • Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
  • Stiff joints (contractures)
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MYH2 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could genetic testing for the MYH2 gene confirm the diagnosis?
Which therapies help with muscle strength and joint stiffness?
How should swallowing and breathing be monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually starta variety of ages
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesMYH2

It is caused by changes in the MYH2 gene. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.

GeneticNeurological

Also known as: hereditary inclusion body myopathy type 3; hereditary inclusion body myopathy, joint contracture, ophthalmoplegia syndrome; hibm3; ibm3; inclusion body myopathy type 3

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Hereditary inclusion body myopathy-joint contractures-ophthalmoplegia syndromeGARD ID 9494 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Hereditary inclusion body myopathy-joint contractures-ophthalmoplegia syndrome.

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