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Alternative names Return to top
Inherited myopathy; MDDefinition Return to top
Muscular dystrophy is a group of disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The group of diseases called muscular dystrophies (MD) includes many inherited disorders such as:
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms vary with the different types of muscular dystrophy. Some types, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are ultimately fatal while other types have associated muscle weakness but cause little disability and are associated with normal life expectancy.
The muscles primarily affected vary, but can be around the pelvis, shoulder, face or elsewhere. The age of onset can vary as well, with more severe subtypes tending to occur earlier in childhood.
Signs and tests Return to top
Examination and history help to distinguish the type of MD. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of MD. Often, there is a loss of muscle mass (wasting), which may be disguised in some types of muscular dystrophy by an accumulation of fat and connective tissuethat makes the muscle appear larger (pseudohypertrophy).
Joint contractures are common. Shortening of the muscle fibers, fibrosis of the connective tissue and scarring slowly destroy muscle function. Some types of MD involve the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias.
A muscle biopsy may be the primary test used to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases a DNA test from the blood may be sufficient.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:Treatment Return to top
There are no known cures for the various muscular dystrophies. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms to maximize the quality of life. Activity is encouraged to the degree tolerated, however, complete inactivity (such as bedrest) can worsen the disease.
Physical therapy may help people with this disorder to maintain muscle strength and function. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility and self-care abilities. In some cases, surgery on the spine or lower extremities may help improve function and slow deterioration.
Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems. See muscular dystrophy - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies with the type of muscular dystrophy. All types of MD progressively worsen, but the speed of decline and extent of disability they cause varies widely. Some types are fatal.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if the symptoms suggestive of muscular dystrophy occur.Prevention Return to top
Genetic counseling is advised when there is a family history of muscular dystrophy. Women may have no symptoms but still carry the gene for the disorder. Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be detected with about 95% accuracy by genetic studies performed during pregnancy. Update Date: 7/4/2004 Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, Vail, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |