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muscular dystrophy
muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. in muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle.
there are many kinds of muscular dystrophy, each affecting specific muscle groups, with differing ages of onset, severity, and rate of progression. the most common type is duchenne muscular dystrophy (dmd), which primarily affects boys.
symptoms of muscular dystrophy may include muscle weakness, apparent lack of coordination, delay in motor skills, difficulty with walking, frequent falls, and trouble breathing or swallowing.
muscular dystrophy is usually diagnosed through a physical examination, family medical history, and tests such as blood enzyme levels, genetic testing, muscle biopsy, and heart and lung evaluations.
there's currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatments, such as medications, therapy, breathing aids, or surgery, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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