FSH, FSHMD, FSHD, FACIOHUMEROSCPULAR

This post is about FSH called  faciohumeroscapular) (FSHMD, FSHD or FSH), and it also known as Landouzy-Dejerine, This is a common form of muscular dystrophy impacting approximately 7 out of every 100,000 people.  This form of muscular dystrophy in inherited from one of the parents and effects the skeletal muscles of the face (facio), upper arms (humeral) and the scapula (scapula)

The disease was discovered in 1884 by French physicians Louis Landouzy and Joseph Dejerine. In their research paper of 1886, Landouzy and Dejerine drew attention to the fact that this form of muscular dystrophy ran in family groups.   Although, there are cases where there is no family history of muscular dystrophy.

Symptoms usually develop in early childhood.  Approximately, 95% of the individuals have symptoms are that are apparent starting in their teen years.  This disease advances with progressive weakness to the face, shoulders and upper arms.  It also may impact other skeletal muscles.

FSH is characterized at first by weakness in the facial and shoulder muscles.  Then over a period it can spread to other muscle groups.   Muscle weakness in the pelvis and hips can make it difficult to climb stairs or walk for extended distances.

The person in the picture above is a classic example of FSH.  Note that the weak shoulder muscles tend to make the shoulder blades protrude from the back, a common sign known as scapular winging.  Due to the weakness in muscles of the shoulders and upper arms it can be difficult to raise the arms over the head or throw a ball.