Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSigns and SymptomsCausesProgressionDiagnosisTreatmentComplicationsSupport and ResourcesOutlookNext in Muscular Dystrophy GuideSymptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Progression
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Support and Resources
Outlook
Next in Muscular Dystrophy Guide
“Muscular dystrophy” is an umbrella term for a group of neuromuscular disorders that cause progressive muscle weakness and lack of physical function over time. Depending on the type of muscular dystrophy, the condition can be detected in childhood or adulthood.
This article will review types and causes of muscular dystrophy, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the outlook for condition progression and management.
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Types of Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophyleads to worsening muscle weakness over time. While there arenine different typesof MD, the two main types are:
Other types of muscular dystrophy include:
How to Detect MD: Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of MD occur gradually and tend to worsen over time. Muscle weakness and atrophy are the most common symptoms that occur with all types of muscle dystrophy.
Depending on the area of the body affected, you may find it gradually become more difficult to perform everyday movements and activities like walking, standing up from a chair, and getting dressed. Your balance may be affected and you may also experience a lack of coordination.
Other symptoms that can occur alongside muscle weakness and wasting include:
Muscular Dystrophy Causes
All forms of MD are genetic, resulting from mutations (changes) that affect certain genes that control muscle function. Most of these genetic mutations are inherited, although some can occur spontaneously.
The three types of inheritance patterns linked to the development of MD are:
Because muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition, lifestyle factors cannot reduce your risk of developing the condition. Being underweight, having poor lung function, and having a high amount of protein in the blood, however, can damage the heart with this condition. These factors increase the risk of complications and early death for those who have MD.
How Does Muscular Dystrophy Progress?
Muscular dystrophy is a progressive condition, meaning that symptoms get worse over time. How quickly muscular dystrophy progresses depends on both the type of muscular dystrophy you have as well as how much you are actively engaged in your treatment. Staying actively involved in regular physical therapy and exercise can maintain muscle strength and function to keep you as physically active and independent as possible.
While progression of the condition is often inevitable, specialized equipment like assistive devices for walking, wheelchairs, and adaptive equipment for hand and arm use can be used to help maintain independence with daily activities.
How Is Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing muscular dystrophy begins with a visit to your healthcare provider, with whom you will discuss your or your child’s personal and family medical histories and symptoms. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend different diagnostic tests to help determine if you have muscular dystrophy and rule out other conditions that can also cause muscle weakness.
These tests include:
Muscular Dystrophy Treatment
While there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Medications
Certain medications can help lessen damage to muscle cells and decrease symptoms like muscle spasms. These include glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and anticonvulsants. Other medications like beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may also be used to treat heart problems.
Assistive Devices
Muscle weakness from muscular dystrophy often affects large muscles of the legs, which can make it difficult to maintain balance and walk. Using an assistive device like crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair can help maintain independence with mobility.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can teach you exercises and provide techniques to strengthen muscles and improve balance, coordination, and functional movements like transfers (moving from one surface or area to another) and walking. Physical therapy can help maintain as much function as possible to preserve the muscle strength needed for everyday activities.
Muscular Dystrophy Complications
Progressive muscle weakness and wasting that occurs with muscular dystrophy can lead to several complications. These include:
Muscular Dystrophy Support and Resources
Living with muscular dystrophy or with a loved one with muscular dystrophy can be challenging, but you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Nonprofit organizations like theMuscular Dystrophy Associationprovide helpful educational resources, support research efforts and clinical trials, and can connect you with support services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides a list of helpful resources on its website.
What to Know About Muscular Dystrophy in Children As a Parent
Outlook for Muscular Dystrophy
Thelife expectancyfor people with muscular dystrophy varies depending on what type of muscular dystrophy they are diagnosed with. Some people can live a full and fulfilling life and live as long as people who do not have muscular dystrophy, while others can have a reduced life span, especially if the heart and diaphragm are affected. Early diagnosis and treatment are key for extending life expectancy for those diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Treatment
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).Muscular Dystrophy Association.Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Muscular dystrophy: Hope through research.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD).National Organization for Rare Disorders.Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)—causes/inheritance.NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).Myotonic dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Muscular dystrophy.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes muscular dystrophy (MD)?Cheeran D, Khan S, Khera R, et al.Predictors of death in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(10). doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.006340.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.How is muscular dystrophy (MD) diagnosed?Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy (MD)?Birnkrant DJ, et al. DMD Care Considerations Working Group.Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part 1: diagnosis, and neuromuscular, rehabilitation, endocrine, and gastrointestinal and nutritional management.Lancet Neurol. 2018 Mar;17(3):251-267. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30024-3.Archer JE, Gardner AC, Roper HP, Chikermane AA, Tatman AJ.Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The management of scoliosis.J Spine Surg. 2016;2(3):185–194. doi:10.21037/jss.2016.08.05Khalighi K, Kodali A, Thapamagar SB, Walker SR.Cardiac involvement in myotonic dystrophy.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(1):25319. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.2531Mauro, A.L., Aliverti, A.Physiology of respiratory disturbances in muscular dystrophies.Breathe.12 2016 (4) 318-327; DOI: 10.1183/20734735.012716Astrea G, Battini R, Lenzi S, et al.Learning disabilities in neuromuscular disorders: a springboard for adult life.Acta Myol. 2016;35(2):90–95.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).Muscular Dystrophy Association.Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Muscular dystrophy: Hope through research.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD).National Organization for Rare Disorders.Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)—causes/inheritance.NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).Myotonic dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Muscular dystrophy.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes muscular dystrophy (MD)?Cheeran D, Khan S, Khera R, et al.Predictors of death in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(10). doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.006340.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.How is muscular dystrophy (MD) diagnosed?Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy (MD)?Birnkrant DJ, et al. DMD Care Considerations Working Group.Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part 1: diagnosis, and neuromuscular, rehabilitation, endocrine, and gastrointestinal and nutritional management.Lancet Neurol. 2018 Mar;17(3):251-267. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30024-3.Archer JE, Gardner AC, Roper HP, Chikermane AA, Tatman AJ.Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The management of scoliosis.J Spine Surg. 2016;2(3):185–194. doi:10.21037/jss.2016.08.05Khalighi K, Kodali A, Thapamagar SB, Walker SR.Cardiac involvement in myotonic dystrophy.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(1):25319. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.2531Mauro, A.L., Aliverti, A.Physiology of respiratory disturbances in muscular dystrophies.Breathe.12 2016 (4) 318-327; DOI: 10.1183/20734735.012716Astrea G, Battini R, Lenzi S, et al.Learning disabilities in neuromuscular disorders: a springboard for adult life.Acta Myol. 2016;35(2):90–95.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).Muscular Dystrophy Association.Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Muscular dystrophy: Hope through research.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD).National Organization for Rare Disorders.Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.Muscular Dystrophy Association.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)—causes/inheritance.NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).Myotonic dystrophy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Muscular dystrophy.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes muscular dystrophy (MD)?Cheeran D, Khan S, Khera R, et al.Predictors of death in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(10). doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.006340.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.How is muscular dystrophy (MD) diagnosed?Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy (MD)?Birnkrant DJ, et al. DMD Care Considerations Working Group.Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part 1: diagnosis, and neuromuscular, rehabilitation, endocrine, and gastrointestinal and nutritional management.Lancet Neurol. 2018 Mar;17(3):251-267. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30024-3.Archer JE, Gardner AC, Roper HP, Chikermane AA, Tatman AJ.Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The management of scoliosis.J Spine Surg. 2016;2(3):185–194. doi:10.21037/jss.2016.08.05Khalighi K, Kodali A, Thapamagar SB, Walker SR.Cardiac involvement in myotonic dystrophy.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(1):25319. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.2531Mauro, A.L., Aliverti, A.Physiology of respiratory disturbances in muscular dystrophies.Breathe.12 2016 (4) 318-327; DOI: 10.1183/20734735.012716Astrea G, Battini R, Lenzi S, et al.Learning disabilities in neuromuscular disorders: a springboard for adult life.Acta Myol. 2016;35(2):90–95.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Muscular dystrophy: Hope through research.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD).
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)—causes/inheritance.
NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders).Myotonic dystrophy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Muscular dystrophy.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What causes muscular dystrophy (MD)?
Cheeran D, Khan S, Khera R, et al.Predictors of death in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy-associated cardiomyopathy. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017;6(10). doi:10.1161/JAHA.117.006340.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.How is muscular dystrophy (MD) diagnosed?
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy (MD)?
Birnkrant DJ, et al. DMD Care Considerations Working Group.Diagnosis and management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, part 1: diagnosis, and neuromuscular, rehabilitation, endocrine, and gastrointestinal and nutritional management.Lancet Neurol. 2018 Mar;17(3):251-267. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30024-3.
Archer JE, Gardner AC, Roper HP, Chikermane AA, Tatman AJ.Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The management of scoliosis.J Spine Surg. 2016;2(3):185–194. doi:10.21037/jss.2016.08.05
Khalighi K, Kodali A, Thapamagar SB, Walker SR.Cardiac involvement in myotonic dystrophy.J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2015;5(1):25319. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v5.2531
Mauro, A.L., Aliverti, A.Physiology of respiratory disturbances in muscular dystrophies.Breathe.12 2016 (4) 318-327; DOI: 10.1183/20734735.012716
Astrea G, Battini R, Lenzi S, et al.Learning disabilities in neuromuscular disorders: a springboard for adult life.Acta Myol. 2016;35(2):90–95.
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