genetic
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Duchenne muscular (DMD) is a severe type of muscular dystrophy predominantly affecting boys. The onset of muscle weakness typically begins around age four, with rapid progression. Initially, muscle loss occurs in the thighs and , extending to the arms, which can lead to difficulties in standing up. By the age of 12, most individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are unable to walk. Affected muscles may appear larger due to an increase in fat content, and scoliosis is common. Some individuals may experience intellectual disability, and females carrying a single copy of the mutated gene may show mild symptoms.
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Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Muscle weakness, trouble standing up, scoliosis
Causes — why it happens
- · ( )
How it's found
- · testing
Prevention
- ·, assisted
Treatment
- ·Pharmacological treatment, physical therapy, braces, speech therapy, occupational therapy
- ·, assisted
Outlook
- ·life expectancy of 21–40 years
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See all of Muscles →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.