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Signs & Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy Disease

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes a person to lose control of their muscles in certain parts of his body. The specific genetic defect will determine which dystrophy you contract, and which set of muscles is affected. At this time there is no medication or treatment to cure any of the forms of muscular dystrophy. Doctors can prescribe physical therapy to help patients compensate for their lost muscle use.

  1. General Symptoms

    • Some of the more common initial symptoms of muscular dystrophy are associated with your ability to move. You may begin to notice that your muscles are getting weaker and it is more difficult to move around. There may be a gradual loss of coordination as well and that may be accompanied by a tightness around your joints that will make them very difficult to move. Over time, movement may become painful.

    Duchenne's Dystrophy

    • This is a form of muscular dystrophy that most commonly affects young boys. The common symptoms associated with this form of dystrophy are large calf muscles, an inability to maintain balance while walking or standing, and problems in standing up from a seated or lying down position. The condition may also weaken the leg muscles that would make running or jumping painful and difficult. This form of dystrophy may also create mental symptoms such as a slight case of mental retardation.

    Becker Dystrophy

    • Becker dystrophy is often considered to have the same effect as Duchenne's dystrophy but in a much milder way. The symptoms will normally strike the pelvic area first affecting the muscles of the hips and thighs. One of the symptoms that is unique to Becker dystrophy is the walk that may develop because of the condition. As the pelvis muscles weaken, you may have to compensate for the lost coordination by walking on your toes or thrusting your abdomen forward more to help you keep your balance.

    Myotonic Dystrophy

    • Also known as myotonia congenita, this form of dystrophy is one that prevents the muscles from being able to relax properly. Some of the more common symptoms of myotonia congenita are gagging when trying to swallow, and the need to continually do movements until the stiffness is gone and you can perform the movements naturally. While this condition is common in young children, it is still possible for a baby to be born with myotonia congenita but seem perfectly healthy until around the age of three.

    Landouzy-Dejerine Dystrophy

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, Landouzy-Dejerine dystrophy will normally strike muscles in a specific order. It will start with the upper body in the face and shoulders, and then move around to the upper arms and down to the feet. It is possible that if you are suffering from this form of dystrophy, when you raise your arms together your shoulder blades can stick out to the point where they may look like wings.

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