Muscular dystrophy
Overview
Muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness that gets worse over time. There is currently no cure, but treatment can help with symptoms.
Symptoms
The main symptom of muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness that gets worse as you get older. The symptoms you have and the age when they begin can vary. Some types of muscular dystrophy start in early childhood, while others do not start until later in life. Signs can include: difficulty walkingdifficulty lifting thingsfalling easilymuscle paintightness in the joints In young children, symptoms can include floppiness and taking longer than expected to crawl or walk.
Causes
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition, which means it's caused by an altered gene. Different genes cause different types of muscular dystrophy. The altered gene can be passed on from your parents (inherited), or you can be born with it even if your parents do not have it. If someone in your family has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy,genetic testingcan help you find out if you have the gene that causes it.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatment can help manage your symptoms. You'll normally be supported by a team of different specialists. Your treatment will depend on the type of muscular dystrophy you have and your symptoms. Treatments you may have include: physiotherapyto help with movement and relieve painmedicines to slow the progression of the condition, such assteroidsand other medicines for Duchenne muscular dystrophytreatment for heart problems, such as apacemakeror medicines like ACE inhibitors andbeta blockerssurgery for problems likescoliosisand tight jointsa machine to help with your breathing, if the condition affects your lungs