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 Can oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy be prevented?
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Because oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder, it cannot be prevented. If you have a family history of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, genetic screening may be helpful for an early diagnosis and early treatment. However, genetic... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most at risk for muscular dystrophy?
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Because all types of muscular dystrophy are caused by genetic mutations, people with certain genetic factors are at the highest risk. If one or both of your parents have a type of muscular dystrophy, or if either of your parents is a carrier of a... Full Answer
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- Q When should I see a doctor about my risk for myotonic dystrophy?
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You should see a doctor if you are concerned that you may be at risk for developing myotonic dystrophy or passing it on to your child because of your family history. Your doctor can order a blood test to see if you carry the genetic defect for myotonic... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with myotonic dystrophy?
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You should know how to manage the symptoms of myotonic dystrophy to maintain the best quality of life possible. A good place to start is by finding a support group for people living with myotonic dystrophy and their caregivers. Group members can help you... Full Answer
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- Q What is the link between fasciculation and muscular dystrophy?
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Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of nervous system disorders that inevitably cause muscle weakness and deterioration. As muscle loss advances, fasciculation increases in the affected regions. However, muscle twitching is a less indicative symptom of... Full Answer
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- Q What is oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy?
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Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease that generally causes muscle weakness in the eyelids and throat. In people with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, the genes that affect the function of certain proteins in the body are damaged,... Full Answer
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- Q What is limb-girdle muscular dystrophy?
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Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is the name for a group of inherited diseases that affect the muscles in the shoulder and hip areas. In people with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, the genes that affect muscle function are damaged, resulting in muscle... Full Answer
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- Q What is distal muscular dystrophy?
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Distal muscular dystrophy is the name for a group of rare inherited diseases that generally affect the distal muscles, or the muscles in the areas farthest from the torso, such as the hands, forearms, feet, and lower legs. In people with distal muscular... Full Answer
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- Q What is congenital myotonic dystrophy?
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Congenital myotonic dystrophy is a severe form of muscular dystrophy that affects muscle function beginning in very early childhood. In children with congenital myotonic dystrophy, genes for muscle function are damaged, resulting in muscle weakness,... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy?
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Since oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy is inherited, your risk may be increased by certain genetic factors. The exact pattern of inheritance for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy varies depending on which of the two types of the disease you have. In... Full Answer
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