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Difference Between Muscular Dystrophy & Cerebral Palsy

Muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy (CP) are both neurological disorders. The two disorders have many similarities, but there are also many differences between them.

  1. Muscular Dystrophy

    • Muscular dystrophy involves the loss of muscle tissue. For this reason, a person with muscular dystrophy will have weak muscles.

    Cerebral Palsy

    • Cerebral palsy affects body movement in addition to muscle coordination. CP affects the nervous system, resulting in symptoms like poor hand-eye coordination and problems communicating.

    Causes

    • Many types of muscular dystrophy are inherited. Cerebral palsy is usually caused by fetal damage, birth complications or a traumatic head injury during early childhood.

    Prognosis

    • Muscular dystrophy is a progressive disorder. As time moves on, a victim suffers a greater loss of muscle tissue. CP is not a progressive disorder, although it can lead to secondary conditions.

    Secondary Conditions

    • Muscular dystrophy can lead to cardiomyopathy, a disturbed heart rhythm. CP is associated with secondary conditions like tight muscles and faster-aging organs.

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