Notes

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
An inherited disorder of progressive muscular weakness, typically in boys.
Rare
Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
Can't be cured, but treatment may help
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging always required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Many people with muscular dystrophy have Duchenne syndrome. Girls can be carriers and mildly affected, but the disease typically affects boys.
Symptoms include frequent falls, trouble getting up or running, waddling gait, big calves, and learning disabilities.
There is no cure, but physical therapy and medications, such as corticosteroids, can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Requires a medical diagnosis
Symptoms include frequent falls, trouble getting up or running, waddling gait, big calves, and learning disabilities.
People may experience:
Muscular: abnormality walking, muscle weakness, loss of muscle, or permanent shortening of muscle
Developmental: learning disability or slow growth
Also common: difficulty standing, constantly walking on tip toe, difficulty swallowing, enlarged calves, fatigue, frequent falls, or scoliosis
Can't be cured, but treatment may help
There is no cure, but physical therapy and medications, such as corticosteroids, can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Prescription
Prednisone (Deltasone)
Also common
Therapies: Occupational therapy, Physical therapy
Specialists
Occupational therapist: Improves daily living and work skills of patients.
Physical therapist: Restores muscle strength and function through exercise.
Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders.
Pediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Medical geneticist: Diagnoses and manages hereditary disorders.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation: Restores function and quality of life to those with physical disabilities.