Alternative Names
Inherited myopathy, MD
Definition of Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders that involve and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Muscular dystrophies, or MD, are a group of inherited conditions, which means they are passed down through families. They may occur in childhood or adulthood. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy. They include:
Symptoms
Symptoms vary with the different types of muscular dystrophy.
Signs and tests
A physical examination and your medical history will help the doctor determine the type of muscular dystrophy. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of muscular dystrophy.
Treatment
There are no known cures for the various muscular dystrophies. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
The severity of disability depends on the type of muscular dystrophy. All types of muscular dystrophy slowly get worse, but how fast this happens varies widely.
Review
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 3/9/2010
