The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation Logo
The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation logo is a drawing of the grip test used by physicians as one method of detecting myotonia. Extending two fingers, the doctor asks his patient to squeeze them. If the patient is unable to relax a tight grip immediately and there is a slow and awkward release, there is reason to speculate that he has myotonic dystrophy. The doctor generally advises further testing through DNA analysis to confirm the presence of the disease.
The logo was conceived by Aaron Wilner, an architect at Lord, Aeck and Sargent in Atlanta, Georgia during a design competition within the office. Knowing nothing about the disorder, he researched it carefully and studied many other medically oriented websites before adopting this idea. Another architect within the office, Bogdana Frunza, helped to develop the design and served to finalize the image.
The MDF Board liked the image of the touching hands of patient and doctor, symbolizing the importance of human connection and of patients and doctors working together in the treatment of the disorder.
May it be a reminder that this test is available to treating physicians at all times, in every specialty. A simple squeeze in some cases can lead to a correct diagnosis that might otherwise take years.
