Major Forms
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)Facioscapulohumeral MS is most common in adults but can also found in children. It effects the face, shoulder blades and the upper arms, but can eventually begin to effect other muscles in the body. The deterioration in the facial muscles can cause a loss in hearing and vision. A mutation in chromosome 4 has been linked to FSHD.
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Myotonic Dystrophy (DM)Myotonic dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults. People who are effected by this disease have a hard time relaxing and or controlling their muscles after use. Slurred speech and a locked jaw can also be symptoms.
DM has two types. Type 1 is Steinerts disease. This is more aggressive. It effects the neck and up along with the lower legs and hands. Type 1 is caused by a genetic mutation in the gene DMPK. Type 2 effects the hips, neck, along with the shoulders and elbows. This is cause by a mutation in the gene CNBP. |
Congenital Muscular DystrophyCongenital muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that occur and are found during infancy. Symptoms of these would be "floppy baby", irregularities in joints and breathing. Also a delay in the normal steps such as trouble sitting and standing. Congenital MS can be linked to brain defects. These brain defects can effect motor skills, and intellectual abilities.
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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy effects males but can also rarely effect females. DMD is cause by the lack of dystrophin, a gene that effects the linking of proteins. This can begin to the pelvic and hips in the early ages. It slowly begins to effect the muscles and tendons in the shoulders and arms. The disease can progress to effecting the respiratory system. This is the most severe of all forms of muscular dystrophies.
Males life expectancy is not expected to surpass the teen years. But with advancement in technology and medical research. Doctor have been able to improve the life expectancy to expect young adults to go to college.
Males life expectancy is not expected to surpass the teen years. But with advancement in technology and medical research. Doctor have been able to improve the life expectancy to expect young adults to go to college.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy
This is very similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Becker Muscular dystrophy is a mild form. The disease gets worse at a slower rate. It can effect the person's ability to walk or run along with eventually causing respiratory problems and fatigue. People suffering from Becker MS can use wheelchairs and other devices to help them become mobile again after the loss or deterioration of their ability to walk.