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Muscular Dystrophy

What is muscular dystrophy (MD)?

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of more than 30 genetic diseases. They cause weakness of the muscles. Over time, the weakness gets worse and can cause trouble walking and doing daily activities. Some types of MD can also affect other organs.

What are the types of muscular dystrophy (MD)?

There are many different types of MD. Some of the more common types include:

Each of the types of MD can be different in many ways, such as:

Even within the same type of MD, people can have different symptoms.

What causes muscular dystrophy (MD)?

MD is genetic, meaning that it caused by a change in one or more genes. Gene changes are also called gene variants or mutations. The gene changes in MD affect proteins that strengthen and protect muscles.

There are different gene changes that cause each type of MD. And sometimes people who have the same type of MD can have different gene changes.

Muscular dystrophy can run in families, or you can be the first in your family to have a muscular dystrophy.

How is muscular dystrophy (MD) diagnosed?

To find out if you or your child has MD, your health care provider may use:

What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy (MD)?

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Treatment can help with the symptoms and prevent complications. It usually includes a combination of therapies, such as:

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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