Muscular Dystrophy

Question 1

What is muscular dystrophy?

Answer 1

A group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass

Question 2

What is the most common form of muscular dystrophy?

Answer 2

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Question 3

When is duchenne muscular dystrophy usually diagnosed?

Answer 3

Between 1-6 years old

Question 4

What are some signs of duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Answer 4

Difficulty with moving (jumping, hopping, climbing stairs, getting up from seated positions)
Frequent falls
Toe walking (Due to tightening of the achilles tendon)
Difficulty breathing (Later in life)

Question 5

What is the eitiology of muscular dystrophy?

Answer 5

A genetic mutation in the x chromosome causes decreased amounts of dystrophin to be produced. This affects muscle function and stability and results in muscle weakness.

Question 6

Can muscular dystrophy be cured?

Answer 6

No, however physical therapy and some medications can delay the progression