Muscular dystrophy (MD) is not just one disease. It is a group of inherited conditions that cause muscle problems. Some types start in childhood, while others don’t show up until adulthood. Some mainly affect muscles used for movement, while others also affect the heart, lungs or swallowing muscles.
Knowing which type of MD you or a loved one has can help with care, treatment and planning for the future. Below are the most common types and how they usually affect the body.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and serious type of muscular dystrophy in children. It mostly affects boys and usually starts between ages 2 and 5. The disease gets worse quickly.
DMD happens because the body doesn't make enough dystrophin, a protein that keeps muscles strong. Without it, muscles get damaged easily and become weak.
Common features include:
Over time, DMD can affect the heart and muscles that help with breathing. Most children lose the ability to walk and will need extra support for muscles.
Early diagnosis and ongoing care are very important for managing symptoms and improving quality of life. With proper treatment, people with DMD can live into adulthood.
Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy but is usually milder and worsens more slowly. Symptoms often begin in the teenage years or early adult life. People with BMD still make the protein dystrophin but not enough of it or in the right form.
Common features include:
Many people with BMD stay active longer and live well into adulthood with proper care and monitoring. Some might use a wheelchair to get around or a cane to help them walk.
Myotonic dystrophy is the most common type of muscle disease in adults. It affects men and women equally and often runs in families. It makes muscles hard to relax after they tighten.
Common features include:
Myotonic dystrophy can affect different parts of the body, such as breathing, digestion and hormone balance. Sometimes, it can cause serious heart rhythm problems. When this happens, a person might need a pacemaker or defibrillator to keep their heartbeat regular.
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of muscle diseases that mainly affect the muscles in the arms, legs, hips and shoulders. The signs and symptoms can start at any age (during childhood, teenage years or adult life) and can be different for each person.
Common features include:
Some types of LGMD can affect the heart or lungs. As muscle weakness gets worse, people might use a wheelchair.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) usually begins in the teenage years or early adulthood but symptoms can occur earlier or later. This disease mainly affects the muscles in the face, shoulders and upper arms.
Common features include:
FSHD usually progresses slowly. Many people maintain independence for years.
Congenital muscular dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that someone is born with or appears when they are very young. This condition affects both boys and girls.
Symptoms may include:
Some forms can also impact how the brain develops, vision or breathing. Children might develop scoliosis or seizures. Getting support and treatment early is important to help with these problems.
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a rare disease that affects muscles. It mostly happens in teenage boys and young men. But sometimes young women have it as well.
Common features include:
Because heart problems can be serious for people living with EDMD, getting regular cardiac care is an important part of treatment.
Distal muscular dystrophy is a rare disease that mostly affects muscles far from the center of the body. These include muscles in the hands, forearms and lower legs.
Symptoms often begin in adulthood and may include:
It usually shows up between ages 40 and 60. It tends to develop slowly and many people stay active for years.
This uncommon type of MD usually starts in adulthood, often between ages 40 and 60. It first affects the muscles that control the eyes and throat.
Common features include:
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy can increase the risk of choking or aspiration. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, supporting nutrition and monitoring muscle strength as the disease progresses.
Since symptoms can be similar, identifying the exact type of muscular dystrophy usually requires genetic testing and careful assessment by a specialist. Knowing the specific type can help guide treatment, monitoring and support services.
If you or your child has signs of muscle weakness or a family history of MD, a neurology specialist can help determine next steps.
Schedule an appointment today with a Banner Health specialist.
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