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.
