Early warning signs of 6 types of muscular dystrophy
Health
Muscular dystrophy refers to more than 30 types of genetic disorders that may damage or weaken muscles over time. It generally occurs due to a deficiency of the protein “dystrophin,” which is crucial for muscle function. The signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of MD, condition, and its severity in every affected individual. This article aims to identify six types of muscular dystrophy disorders and their early warning signs. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) DMD is one of the most common and chronic types of muscular dystrophy. Its onset typically occurs in early childhood, between the ages of 2 and 3. The condition typically affects boys, although there have been rare occurrences among girls as well. Due to its severity, people living with this health condition tend to have a shorter life expectancy. Common symptoms of DMD include: Trouble walking, running, or jumping Loss of reflexes Difficulty standing up Poor posture Waddling gait Bone thinning Abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis) Learning differences Delayed growth Breathing difficulties Difficulty swallowing Lung and heart weakness Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) BMD is a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and degeneration over time. Symptoms generally begin to develop between the ages of 5 and 15.