Muscular dystrophy
The medical condition called muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic (inherited) diseases in which there is progressive weakness of the muscles which control movement. Sometimes the muscles of the heart and some other muscles — out of the person's direct control — are also affected.
Muscular dystrophy can affect people of all ages. Although some forms first appear in infancy or childhood, others may not appear until middle age or later. The most common type affecting children is known as Duchenne (or Duchenne's) muscular dystrophy.
There is no specific treatment for any of the types of muscular dystrophy. Therapy to prevent contractions — in which shortened muscles around the joints cause abnormal and sometimes painful positioning of the joints — orthoses (appliances used for support) and corrective orthopaedic surgery may be needed to improve the quality of life in some cases.
When heart muscles are affected an artificial pacemaker, to keep the heart beating, may be needed.
The outlook for sufferers of muscular dystrophy varies according to the type and speed of progression of the problem. Some cases may be mild and very slowly progressive, with normal life expectancy. In other cases there may be more rapid progression of muscle weakness and inability to walk. Breathing difficulties may shorten life.
Genetic tests that can detect many forms of muscular dystrophy are available. For as yet unaffected people with a family history of muscular dystrophy, deciding whether to test is a very complex decision that should be made with the assistance of your doctor and a genetic counsellor.
Last Reviewed: 06 March 2009
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