Muscular Dystrophies Health Channel

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Superficial anterior muscles

Muscular dystrophy

Definition

Muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders that involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue that get worse over time.

Alternative Names

Inherited myopathy; MD

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Many diseases called muscular dystrophies (MD) are inherited disorders, such as:

Symptoms

Symptoms vary with the different types of muscular dystrophy.

All of the muscles may be affected. Or, only specific groups of muscles may be affected, such as those around the pelvis, shoulder, or face. Muscular dystrophy can affect adults, but the more severe forms tend to occur in early childhood.

Symptoms include:

  • Mental retardation (only present in some types of the condition)
  • Muscle weakness that slowly gets worse
    • Delayed development of muscle motor skills
    • Difficulty using one or more muscle groups
    • Drooling
    • Eyelid drooping (ptosis)
    • Frequent falls
    • Problems walking (delayed walking)

Signs and tests

A physical examination and your medical history will help the doctor determine the type of muscular dystrophy. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of muscular dystrophy.

Signs may include:

Some types of muscular dystrophy involve the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy or disturbed heart rhythm (arrhythmias).

Often, there is a loss of muscle mass (wasting), which may be hard to see because some types of muscular dystrophy cause a build-up of fat and connective tissue that makes the muscle appear larger. This is called pseudohypertrophy.

A muscle biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a DNA blood test may be all that is needed.

Other tests may include:

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

Treatment

There are no known cures for the various muscular dystrophies. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.

Physical therapy may help patients maintain muscle strength and function.

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Becker's muscular dystrophy (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Becker's muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves slowly worsening muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis. Reviewer: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 12/17/2008

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (3 images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves rapidly-worsening muscle weakness. Reviewer: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 12/17/2008

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. See also: Muscular dystrophy Reviewer: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Date: 12/01/2008

Muscle biopsy (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A muscle biopsy is the removal of a small piece of muscle tissue for examination. Reviewer: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 07/29/2008

Genetic counseling (1 image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Genetic counseling is a process in which a qualified professional shares information about genetic conditions. This information includes specifics about the condition in question, tests used to identify that condition, and help in understanding any laboratory test results. This helps parents, potential parents, and affected individuals make informed and educated decisions for themselves and their children. Reviewer: Diana Chambers, MS, EdD, Certified Genetics Counselor (ABMG), Charter Member of the American Board of Genetic Counseling, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 05/11/2009

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