muscular dystrophies
Progressive muscle degeneration disorders
Muscular dystrophies are a group of inherited diseases causing progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles.
Different types affect different muscle groups at different ages—Duchenne muscular dystrophy strikes young boys and progresses rapidly, while other forms emerge later and advance more slowly.
All involve genetic mutations affecting proteins essential for muscle function.
There is no cure; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining mobility.
Using poorly, inefficiently
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- degenerationProgressive loss of function
- myopathyDisorder of muscle tissue
progressive · biopsy · inflammation · contractures · scoliosis · cardiomyopathy
Deficiency in force
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- dysphagiaMedical swallowing difficulty
- ptosisAbnormal lid drooping
- facial weaknessImpaired muscle control, face
Permanent DNA alteration
- recessiveMasked unless paired identically
- dominantHaving superior influence
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- hereditaryPassed through generations
carrier · chromosomes · genes · alleles · genotype · phenotype · pedigree · genetic counseling
Treatment restoring bodily function
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- prednisoneSynthetic corticosteroid medication
- gene therapyMedical DNA modification treatment
- clinical trialsControlled health research experiments
respiratory support · cardiac care · orthopedic surgery · bracing · ventilation · occupational therapy · speech therapy · hydrotherapy
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- ambulationMovement by walking
- gaitLocomotion pattern
- assistive devicesTools supporting impaired function
- bracesDental alignment devices
walker · crutches · scooter · transfer · accessibility · adaptive equipment · orthoses
Germanic occupational surname
- myotonicSlow to relax
- congenitalExisting from birth
- distalRemote from point of attachment
- DMDDental doctorate abbreviation
wasting
Using poorly, inefficiently
- fibrosisPathological connective tissue buildup
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- degenerationProgressive loss of function
myopathy · progressive · biopsy · inflammation · contractures · scoliosis · cardiomyopathy
weakness
Deficiency in force
mutation
Permanent DNA alteration
- recessiveMasked unless paired identically
- dominantHaving superior influence
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
hereditary · carrier · chromosomes · genes · alleles · genotype · phenotype · pedigree · genetic counseling · prenatal testing
physiotherapy
Treatment restoring bodily function
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- prednisoneSynthetic corticosteroid medication
- gene therapyMedical DNA modification treatment
clinical trials · respiratory support · cardiac care · orthopedic surgery · bracing · ventilation · occupational therapy · speech therapy · hydrotherapy · stretching
wheelchair
Seated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- ambulationMovement by walking
- gaitLocomotion pattern
- assistive devicesTools supporting impaired function
braces · walker · crutches · scooter · transfer · accessibility · adaptive equipment · orthoses
Becker
Germanic occupational surname
- myotonicSlow to relax
- congenitalExisting from birth
- distalRemote from point of attachment
muscular, dystrophy, muscle, muscles, muscled, muscling, musculature, muscularity, muscularly