TYPES OF MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

There are currently thirty types of muscular dystrophy.  Here is a list of the most common types and who they impact.

Duchenne (DMD) – the most common and severe form of MD among children, DMD accounts for more than 50% of all cases. DMD appears typically in boys between ages 3 and 5 and progresses rapidly. Most people with DMD are unable to walk by age 12 and may later need a respirator to breathe. They usually die in their late teens or early 20’s from heart trouble, respiratory complications, or infection.

Becker MD – Appears primarily in males between ages 11 and 25. Some people may never need to use a wheelchair, while others lose the ability to walk during their teens, mid-30’s, or later.

Myotonic MD – The most common adult form,  myotonic MD appears in two forms, type 1 and type 2.  Myotonic MD affects both men and women between ages 20 and 30.

Congenital MD – This form of MD appears at birth or by age 2. Congenital means “present from birth.” Congenital MD affects both boys and girls, who often require support to sit or stand and may never learn to walk. Some patients die in infancy, but others live into adulthood with only mild disability.

Emery-Dreifuss MD- Symptoms usually begin by age 10 in boys and can appear in patients up to their mid-20’s. People with this form often develop heart problems by age 30, and they may die in mid-adulthood from progressive pulmonary or cardiac failure.

Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) – FSHD refers to the areas affected: the face (facio), the shoulders (scapulo), and the upper arms (humeral).  FSHD affects teen boys and girls typically but may occur as late as age 40. Most individuals have a normal life span, but symptoms can vary from mild to severely disabling.

Limb-girdle MD – This form of MD can appear in childhood but most often appears in adolescence or young adulthood. Limb-girdle can progress quickly or slowly, but most patients become severely disabled.  This form impact the limb-girdle area with progressive muscle damage.  It may impact the ability to walk within 20 years of developing the disease.

Distal MD – Distal MDs refer to a group of diseases that affect the muscles of the forearms, hands, lower legs, and feet.  This form typically appears between ages 40 and 60. Distal MD is less severe and progresses more slowly than other forms of MD, but it can spread to other muscles. Patients may eventually need a ventilator.

Oculopharyngeal MD – This form occurs in both men and women, and it can be mild or severe. This form of MD typically appears in a person’s 40’s or 50’s. Some people will eventually lose their ability to walk.   This form is common among Americans of French-Canadian descent,  and Hispanics from the Southwestern U.S.

SUMMARY: 

Each form of muscular dystrophy can impact people differently.  It is important to get a confirmed diagnosis, if you exhibit any of the symptoms.  In addition, there are other medical issues that can cause similar symptoms.