Becker muscular dystrophy (often called Becker MD or BMD) is a form of muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that gradually makes the body's muscles weaker and smaller. It causes less severe problems than the most common type, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Becker MD symptoms can range from mild to almost as severe as the symptoms of Duchenne MD.
A child with Becker MD may start to walk later than most kids do. But the disease rarely causes health problems until muscle weakness develops in the hips and pelvis when the child is in their teens. Walking problems are usually noticed around age 15–16.
A child with Becker MD may:
Becker MD affects the muscles of the hips, pelvis, thighs, and shoulders, as well as the heart. Changes in the heart muscle may happen faster than in other muscles. Children who first show symptoms of Becker MD at younger ages are more likely to have heart problems than kids whose symptoms start later.
Becker MD is progressive, meaning problems get worse with age. Symptoms get worse slowly compared with Duchenne MD. Breathing muscles tend to stay strong enough that a ventilator or other mechanical breathing help isn't needed.
Muscles need a protein called dystrophin (dis-TRO-fin) to work properly. In Becker MD, the gene that makes this protein is mutated (changed in some way). Because of this change, which usually is inherited (passed from parent to child), the protein doesn't work as it should. This puts muscle cells at risk for damage with normal use.
Usually, the body will repair or replace damaged muscle cells. But in Becker MD, the cells die instead. After the muscle cells die, they are replaced by fat and scar tissue.
Becker MD mostly affects boys. But girls and women can be carriers of the mutated gene and have mild symptoms. They also can pass the gene to their children.
Doctors often diagnose muscular dystrophy based on the child's family history, symptoms, and an exam. They will also order some tests:
There's no cure yet for Becker MD. Treatment is a combination of:
A child with Becker MD usually is cared for by a team of doctors and other experts from several pediatric specialties.
Kids with Becker MD can live long, active lives, and research to improve treatment is underway.
Some people with Becker MD begin using a wheelchair in their twenties. But many over age 50 can walk without help or by using a cane, crutches, or walker.
Becker MD does not affect muscles of the bowel and bladder or sexual function.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date Reviewed: Sep 20, 2023
By using this site, you consent to our use of cookies. To learn more, read our privacy policy.