Welcome to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy information source on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy! diseases


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diseases

Symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Symptoms usually appear before age 6 and may appear as early as infancy. They may include:

By age 10, the person may need braces for walking. By age 12, most patients BMD are confined to a wheelchair.

Exams and Tests for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

A complete nervous system (neurological), heart, lung, and muscle exam may show:

Tests may include:

Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

There is no known cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Treatment aims to control symptoms to maximize quality of life. Gene therapy may become available in the future.

Activity is encouraged. Inactivity (such as bed rest) can worsen the muscle disease. Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength and function. Orthopedic appliances (such as braces and wheelchairs) may improve mobility and the ability to care for yourself.

Support Groups for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is an excellent source of information on this disease.

Outlook / Prognosis for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy leads to quickly worsening disability. Death usually occurs by age 25, typically from lung disorders.

Possible Complications of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

Prevention of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Genetic counseling is advised if there is a family history of the disorder. Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be detected with about 95% accuracy by genetic studies performed during pregnancy.


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