How can you get Muscular Dystrophy?

There are several types of muscular dystrophy, and genetic mutations play a significant role in developing Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Most forms are inherited within families, passed down from parents to offspring through genes. However, some cases may occur spontaneously due to new mutations or genetic changes that happen randomly. The specific genetic abnormalities vary depending on the type of MD:

1. Inherited Muscular Dystrophies:

- Autosomal Dominant: These types of MDs are caused by a mutation in a single copy of a specific gene. In this case, an affected individual with only one mutated gene copy can still develop the condition and can also pass it on to offspring. Examples include Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and Myotonic dystrophy (type 1).

- Autosomal Recessive: These types of MDs occur when mutations affect both copies of a specific gene. Both parents may be carriers of the defective gene, but they might not exhibit symptoms themselves. However, their children have a higher risk of inheriting both mutated copies and developing the condition. Examples include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy, and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD).

- X-linked: X-linked MDs are caused by mutations on the X chromosome, which is mostly present in males. If a mother carrying a mutated X chromosome passes it to a male offspring, he is likely to develop the condition. Examples include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD).

2. Spontaneous Mutations:

In rare cases, MD can occur due to spontaneous genetic mutations that happen during the formation of reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) or shortly after conception. These mutations are not inherited from parents and are less common than inherited forms of MD.

3. Congenital Muscular Dystrophies:

Some types of MD are congenital, meaning they are present from birth. These may be caused by genetic mutations that disrupt normal muscle development during fetal development.