Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy, or MD, is actually a group of muscle disorders that cause your muscles to become weak and wasted. The most common forms have a genetic cause.
The signs and symptoms of the various types of MD will vary, but typically patients have severe muscle weakness, are physically uncoordinated and have contractures (such as a club foot or claw hand). Some kinds of MD cause mental retardation.
There is no known cure for MD but your doctor can help control your symptoms and can recommend surgery or orthotics (braces) if appropriate. If you have a child with MD, joining a support group can also help you cope with the difficult physical, emotional and financial problems you're facing.
Recently Answered
- Q How does muscular dystrophy (MD) affect muscles?
-
Muscles are made up of thousands of muscle fibers. Each fiber is actually a number of individual cells that have joined together during development and are encased by an outer membrane. Muscle fibers that make up individual muscles are bound together by... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How many people are affected with muscular dystrophy (MD)?
-
Muscular dystrophy (MD) occurs worldwide, affecting all races. Its incidence varies, as some forms are more common than others. Its most common forms in children, Duchenne and Becker MDs, alone affect approximately 1 in every 3,500 to 5,000 boys, or... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the different types of muscular dystrophy (MD)?
-
There are a number of different types of muscular dystrophy, each with different symptoms, causes, progression, and related complications. All types of muscular dystrophy are caused by genetic mutations that affect muscle proteins, but the exact... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What causes Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)?
-
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are names for the same disorder caused by genetic mutations in the DMD gene. The DMD gene makes a protein called dystrophin. It is located on the X chromosome, which means that boys inherit the mutation... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q How can facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy be prevented?
-
Because facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is inherited, there is currently no known way to prevent the condition.Genetic counseling: Genetic counseling can help individuals, families, and couples affected by or at risk for FSHD to work... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy treated?
-
Medications: Stamulumab, also known as MYO-029, is an experimental myostatin-inhibiting drug for the treatment of muscular dystrophy. Myostatin is a protein that inhibits the growth of muscle tissue. By inhibiting myostatin, Stamulumab stimulates muscle... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)?
-
Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a disease that causes the muscles to deteriorate. It is one of several muscular dystrophies, which are genetic (or inherited) diseases of the voluntary muscles or the muscles used to move parts of the body. Although... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) be prevented?
-
There are currently no known ways to prevent Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, genetic counseling for parents is available.You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is Duchenne muscular dystrophy treated?
-
Currently, there is no known cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Treatment generally focuses on managing the symptoms. Assistive devices: Most patients with DMD lose the ability to walk. Leg braces or wheelchairs may be used to assist in moving.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosed?
-
The first step in diagnosing Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is a physical exam that includes an evaluation of symptoms and a review of you and your family's medical histories. Then a doctor may perform several tests. Blood tests can test for levels of... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
