A 31-year-old member asked:
what causes duchenne muscular dystrophy?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Beth Howellanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Hereditary: It is inherited because of a defective gene on the x chromosome (female sex chromosome). It is referred to as a "sex-linked recessive" inheritance pattern. Girls get two x chromosomes, and the healthy one overrules the unhealthy gene, preventing girls from contracting the disorder. Boys get an x and a y. If the x has the defective gene, there is no corresponding gene on the y to overrule it.
5.5k viewsReviewed May 06, 2019
Dr. Michael Amsteranswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Genetic disorder: Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is an x linked genetic disorder causing abnormalities of the muscle fiber and eventual degeneration.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
Which parts of the body does muscular dystrophy affect?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jonathan Dissinanswered
Neurology 39 years experience
Depend on the type: There are many types of muscular dystrophy, affecting different muscle groups. One type affects the eye muscles and the muscles of the pharynx; another primarily affects the facial muscles, the muscles of the shoulder girdle and the proximal arm. Most other muscular dystrophies affect the limb girdles, but rare forms can originate distally. There are many subtypes and new types are being described.
6.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
CA
A 44-year-old member asked:
What does congenital muscular dystrophy mean?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Andrew Dutkaanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Muscle disease: Congenital myopathy means a disease of muscle present since birth, usually inherited. The congenital myopathies are due to several genetic defects, mostly associated with muscle energy use. Usually, people have muscle weakness or damage that is mild and presents in teen or older years. Muscular dystrophy is a congenital myopathy but much more severe and not usually under this name.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
How do I caregive for my son with muscular dystrophy?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sarah Kohlanswered
Travel Medicine 35 years experience
Lovingly : Children need love, patience, and guidance to grow. Learn as much as you can about your son's type of muscular dystrophy. Helping your child figure out how to accomplish his dreams with the physical limitatons the dystrphy imposes will be one of your great tasks. You and your child can figure out how to manage the perceptions of others as the physical manifestons become apparent.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
What are the common symptoms of duschenne muscular dystrophy?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Keith Baldwinanswered
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery 15 years experience
Weakness: Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (dmd) is caused by a faulty protein. It results in weakness that starts in the hip girdle and progresses to other areas of the body. It can result in scoliosis and tight muscles. Later in the course it can result in loss of function and frequent respiratory infections. The disease is currently incurable, but steroids can often delay the progression of symptoms.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Is it possible for little girls to get muscular dystrophy and how do they test for it?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Chan Hwanganswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 27 years experience
Yes...: Muscular dystrophy (md) is a group of inherited muscle diseases. Most patients with md are boys, but some forms affect girls also. For instance fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy occurs in both boys and girls. A daughter of a dad with duchenne muscular dystrophy (dmd) and a mom who is a carrier will have dmd. Diagnosis for md involves muscle biopsy, electrodiagnostic tests, and dna analysis.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated May 6, 2019
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$30 per visit with
membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.