Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most severe form of the genetic defect of the protein dystropin which causes weakness in the muscles. As it affects the X chromosome, it occurs mostly in young boys and is the most common form of MD in children. Symptoms usually start showing up around ages 2 to 6.

Here are certain signs and symptoms of Duchenne's MD:

1. Frequent falling
2. Large calf muscles
3. Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position
4. Weak lower leg muscles, difficulty in running and jumping
5. Funny gait while walking.
6. Mild retardation in some cases.

The symptoms first affects the muscles in the upper arms, legs and pelvis. By late childhood, the person will not be able to walk. Most sufferers only manage to survive till their early 20s due to complications that occur. There is currently no known cure and treatment for muscular dystrophy is confined to certain forms of therapy.