Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease. It causes muscle weakness that gets worse over time.
DMD is caused by a faulty gene. This makes it hard for the body to make a protein called dystrophin. This protein is needed to keep muscles healthy.
DMD is more common in male children. A family history of DMD raises the risk of having the disease.
Problems may be:
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You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You will be asked if there is any family history of muscle or nerve problems. The exam will focus on your child’s muscles. A doctor who treats these problems may be needed.
DMD may be suspected based on symptoms and family history. It can be confirmed with:
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms as the disease gets worse. Options are:
Some patients may need surgery. It may help to release tight muscles or ease curves in the back.
DMD is caused by a faulty gene. It cannot be prevented.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
http://www.mda.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
https://www.ninds.nih.gov
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Muscle Dystrophy Canada
http://www.muscle.ca
Darras BT, Miller DT, et al. Dystrophinopathies. GeneReviews 2014 Nov 26.
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/duchenne-and-becker-muscular-dystrophies. Updated October 30, 2017. Accessed December 4, 2019.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy Association website. Available at: http://mda.org/disease/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy. Accessed December 4, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS Last Updated: 7/14/2020
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