Muscular dystrophy is a disease that weakens muscles over time. There are different types of muscular dystrophies. Each type begins at a different age and may cause mild or severe muscle weakness.
The two most common types of muscular dystrophy (DISS-truh-fee) are Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy.
Kids with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy might:
Symptoms of Duchenne (dew-SHEN) and Becker muscular dystrophy are progressive. This means that they get worse over time. Kids with muscular dystrophy may also develop scoliosis (curved spine), heart problems, breathing problems, and trouble walking.
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition. Genetic conditions are passed from a parent (or parents) to their child. In muscular dystrophy, a gene change prevents the body from making the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles.
A genetic counselor can help parents understand how muscular dystrophy can run in families.
Doctors diagnose muscular dystrophy by:
There’s no cure for muscular dystrophy. But treatments can help people stay as active and independent as possible. Clinical trials are ongoing and new medicines are being developed to treat and possibly cure muscular dystrophy.
Treatment for muscular dystrophy depends on how old the child is, what kind of muscular dystrophy they have, and how severe it is. Treatment may include:
If your child has muscular dystrophy, a care team of medical specialists will work with you and your family to help your child get the best care. The care team may include: a neurologist, orthopedist, pulmonologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, cardiologist, registered dietician, and a social worker.
To help your child:
You can learn more about muscular dystrophy through your care team and online at:
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: 10-04-2020
