Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a collective name for more than 30 inherited genetic diseases that damage and weaken you muscles over time. The weakness and damage is due to a lack of dystrophin, a protein necessary for typical muscle function. Overtime, muscles shrink and become weaker, affecting your ability to walk and perform normal daily activities. Some forms of muscular dystrophy are diagnosed at birth or become apparent during childhood, although they can occur at any age.

The main symptom of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Depending on the type, specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups. Other signs of muscular dystrophy can include:

• Unusual walking gait (waddling)

• Difficulty walking or running

• Trouble swallowing

• Heart problems, such as arrhythmia and heat failure

• Muscle pain

• Breathing problems

If you suspect you or a loved one may have muscular dystrophy, your doctor can perform a series of tests including:

• Blood testing - to check for high levels of creatine kinase as this can be an indicate muscle damage caused by muscular dystrophy.

• Genetic testing - to identify mutation of the dystrophin gene

• Electromyography (EMG) - to measure the electrical activity of your muscles and nerves