What is muscular dystrophy?

Muscle disease: Muscular dystrophy is a worsening disorder that causes muscle weakness. The worst kind is duchenne's dystrophy, that affects only boys, leads to severe weakness, and wheelchair needs, breathing difficulties in the teens. Milder forms can present later or not cause as much disability. These are genetic (runs in families) disorders.

Abnormal protein: Muscular dystrophy is caused by an abnormal protein which results in muscle atrophy, scarring, and weakness. Clinical manifestations are variable depending on genetic status of the specific disease, and which abnromality is present (ie. Duchennes or becker's or other).