What is muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
There's no cure for muscular dystrophy. But medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the course of the disease.
The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.
The disease is equally prevalent in women and men, manifesting at any age.
People with a family history of muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of developing the disease or passing it on to their children.
The complications of progressive muscle weakness include:
- Trouble walking. Some people with muscular dystrophy eventually need to use a wheelchair.
- Trouble using arms. Daily activities can become more difficult if the muscles of the arms and shoulders are affected.
- Breathing problems.
- Curved spine (scoliosis).
- Heart problems.
- Swallowing problems.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/symptoms-causes/syc-
20375388
