What are the symptoms of congenital muscular dystrophy?

Symptoms of congenital muscular dystrophy vary depending on which type of the disease you have. The distinguishing mark of all types of congenital muscular dystrophy is that symptoms begin in very early childhood, usually by age two. Most types of congenital muscular dystrophy affect voluntary muscles in the legs, arms, and torso, although other muscles may be affected, depending on the type. Generally, children with congenital muscular dystrophy will miss important developmental milestones such as crawling, sitting up, or walking. In most cases, the symptoms of the disease are progressive, which may eventually result in extreme difficulty with or loss of mobility. Depending on the type of congenital muscular dystrophy, problems with brain muscle function may lead to learning disabilities or other mental problems.