Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophies are muscle diseases that primarily have three common features:
(1) They are hereditary
(2) They are progressive
(3) They cause a pattern of muscle weakness



Description of Duchenne Muscular Dystropy



Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscle disorder in children. We know Duchenne
muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease but there is no physical indication at birth that the baby
actually has the disease. Symptoms of the disease usually do not present themselves until 18 months to
4 years of age.

Almost all children inflicted with the disease have never walked or ran normally. Over the first few years
of life these children have difficulty climbing and getting up from the floor and hence walking on their
toes is common. Some parents notice that their son has large calf muscle which is due to an increase in
fatty tissue in the muscle (an indication of the disease). Duchenne muscular dystrophy has also been
associated with delay in mental or language development.


Symptoms



Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a rare inherited disorder characterized by progressive muscle
weakness. Early symptoms usually begin in an early age around 2 to 5 years old. Muscle weakness is
initially starts in the shoulder and pelvic areas but within several years Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
affects the muscles of the upper trunk and arms. Eventually all the major muscles are affected.
The early symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy may include falling and awkwardness wh...