Viking Genes researchers are studying the genetic causes of a rare inherited neuromuscular condition affecting a family from Flotta, Orkney. The study could improve diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of similar conditions in Orcadian families. Flotta Neuromyotonia – The Story So Far The Flett family from Flotta, Orkney, are central to a Viking Genes study into a suspected inherited muscle-and-nerve condition affecting six generations. After whole-exome sequencing ruled out known coding variants, the team aims to fund whole-genome sequencing to find structural or non-coding changes that could explain the condition and improve understanding of neuromuscular disease in Orcadian families. Living with Neuromyotonia by Stuart Flett Stuart Flett has neuromyotonia, a rare neuromuscular disorder causing continuous muscle‑fibre overactivity. His childhood symptoms were misdiagnosed until specialist tests confirmed the condition. When his daughter Chloe developed symptoms, her neuromuscular research connected the family with Professor Jim Wilson and the Viking Genes study to identify the genetic cause and improve diagnosis and treatment. This article was published on Wednesday 2 September 2026
