Muscle weakness can begin slowly. You may notice that everyday tasks are more difficult than before or that your child struggles to keep up with peers during play or sports. When these changes don’t improve, it’s natural to feel worried and wonder what might be causing them.
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of diseases that cause muscles to weaken and slowly lose strength over time. It can affect children and adults and may impact movement, breathing, heart health and daily activities. At Banner Health, our neurology and neuromuscular specialists work with you to understand symptoms, confirm a diagnosis and build a care plan that fits your individual needs.
MD is a condition that causes muscles to become weaker over time. This happens because the body has trouble making certain proteins that muscles need to stay strong and healthy.
There are multiple types of muscular dystrophy. These conditions are a type of myopathy, which means problems with the skeletal muscles. Depending on the type, it can affect your ability to move, walk and do daily activities. It can also affect your heart and lungs and cause changes in your joints.
MD is usually passed down through families (inherited). Some types are diagnosed in early childhood, often before age 6, while others appear later in life.
Learn more about the different types of muscular dystrophy.
Your muscles are made up of thousands of small fibers. People with MD have muscle fibers that lack the protection they need. Some proteins that normally keep muscle cells strong and stable are missing or don't work correctly.
When muscle fibers get damaged, they break down and do not work correctly. Over time, these fibers die and are not replaced fast enough. This makes the muscles weaker. Although muscular dystrophy can affect the heart, the main problem is damage to the muscles.
Symptoms can be different for everyone but many people notice early signs that affect daily life. These signs may come on slowly and become noticeable over months or years.
Signs might include:
Since symptoms vary depending on the type of MD, knowing which kind someone has can help guide their care and what to expect. Learn more about the different types of muscular dystrophy and what symptoms they cause.
MD happens because of changes called mutations in genes that control muscle strength and healing. Usually, these gene changes are inherited, meaning they are passed down from family members. Sometimes, the gene change occurs for the first time in a person with no family history.
These gene changes impact proteins that keep muscle fibers in place. Without enough of these proteins, muscles break down more easily and get weaker over time.
Because muscular dystrophy is genetic, certain factors can increase your risk.
You may be at higher risk if:
People of all ages, genders and backgrounds can be affected by different types of MD. Having no family history does not rule it out. Genetic testing can help confirm a diagnosis and provide information for family planning.
Your health care provider will look at your symptoms and family history. They might also order blood tests to check for muscle damage, perform an EMG (electromyogram) to evaluate muscle function or order genetic tests to find specific gene changes.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophy but treatments can help control symptoms and slow the disease. Your treatment plan depends on the type of MD you have, your symptoms and how far the disease has advanced.
Learn more about diagnosing and treating muscular dystrophy.
MD is a long-term condition that usually gets worse over time. Some people might feel weak for many years, while others may have faster changes that make it hard to move or breathe.
Thanks to new medical treatments, many people with MD are now living longer and healthier lives. Many keep working, going to school, raising families and staying active in their communities.
Early diagnosis, regular monitoring and using supportive treatments can make a difference in maintaining strength, ability and quality of life. Supportive care might include:
Learning how to adapt and planning ahead can help you stay independent and engaged in the things that matter most to you.
Learn more about living with muscular dystrophy.
Talk to a health care provider if you or your child experiences:
Banner Health takes a team-based approach to muscular dystrophy care. Our specialists work with you to create a personalized plan based on your needs, goals and type of MD.
We offer:
Sign in to Patient Account
