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 What are the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
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Symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy usually begin in very early childhood with muscle weakness in the hips, thighs, and shoulders. This usually leads to developmental delays with walking and running, and toddlers with the condition often seem clumsy... Full Answer
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- Q What causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
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Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a defective gene. The mutation of this gene is found on the X chromosome, which means boys inherit the mutation from their mothers. The particular genetic mutation that causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
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Since Duchenne muscular dystrophy is inherited, your risk is increased by certain genetic factors. Males are much more commonly affected than females, so being a male increases your risk. In most cases, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is passed down... Full Answer
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- Q What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
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Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy, which is an inherited disease that affects the muscles. This disorder almost always affects boys, and symptoms appear very early in childhood. In people with... Full Answer
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- Q What are complications of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)?
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Infection: An infection of the lungs, especially pneumonia, is common in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This may be due to a weakness of respiratory muscles that reduces the ability of a patient to cough and leads to mucus buildup in... Full Answer
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- Q Can Dystrophin or Becker muscular dystrophy be prevented?
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Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are names for the same disorder caused by genetic mutations in the DMD gene. Because this is a genetic disorder, it cannot be prevented. If you have a family history of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy,... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)?
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Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are names for the same disorder caused by genetic mutations in the DMD gene. It is inherited. This means that your risk is increased if your mother has the disease or has a mutation in the DMD gene... Full Answer
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- Q What are natural treatments for Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)?
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Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with muscle weakness and pain in both adults and children. Limited research has reported vitamin D deficiency in patients with low back pain, and supplementation may lead to pain reduction in many... Full Answer
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- Q What are complications of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy?
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Complications of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) may include decreased mobility, decreased ability to care for oneself, deformities of the face and shoulders, and, rarely, breathing problems. Life expectancy is normal, but up to 20% of... Full Answer
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- Q How is facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy diagnosed?
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Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is diagnosed by the following:Physical exam: A physical examination of a patient with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) would reveal weakness of the facial and shoulder muscles. High blood pressure may... Full Answer
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