Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and Related Diseases
The muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. MD is a progressive disease and symptoms may get worse over time.
Becker MD starts with muscle loss and weakness in the pelvis, things and shoulders. It is often described as a milder form of Duchenne MD.
Duchenne MD is the most common form of MD and primarily affects boys. Onset is between 3 and 5 years and the disorder progresses rapidly.
Myotonic MD is the disorder’s most common adult form and individuals display prolonged muscle spasms, cataracts, cardiac abnormalities, and endocrine disturbances. Individuals with myotonic MD have long, thin faces, drooping eyelids, and a swan-like neck
A look at causes, symptoms, and care options for neuromuscular diseases.
Associations/Groups:
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
MDA’s mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. Offers support, education and resources for neuromuscular diseases.
Massachusetts MDA Clinics:
- UMass Memorial Medical Center
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
Phone: 508-334-2527 - Lahey Clinic Foundation
41 Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01805
Phone: 781-273-8632 - Brigham & Women’s Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-732-4913 - Children’s Hospital Boston
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-355-6381 - Massachusetts General Hospital
15 Parkman Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-726-5533 - Tufts Medical Center
800 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-636-5631
Pediatric Neuromuscular Service
Mass General for Children’s Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic offers coordinated, multidisciplinary care for infants, children and teens with a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders
Other Information:
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne Muscular Dystophy Information
MDA Request Information or Support
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)
Types of Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular Diseases
Mass General Hospital info about MD and a group of inherited diseases that are characterized by weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue, with or without the breakdown of nerve tissue.
Muscular Dystrophy Information Page
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Muscular Dystrophy
US National Library of Medicine
Muscular Dystrophy Basics
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Muscular Dystrophy Resource List for Families
Muscular Dystrophy Association has a good list of resources.
Center for Disease Control information:
- Muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases in which muscles become weak.
- Each kind of muscular dystrophy affects specific muscle groups, appears at different ages, and varies in severity.
Fact Sheet last updated on: 8/28/2024
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Disclaimer: INDEX is pleased to provide you this information. Please note, this information is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to take the place of professional advice. We encourage you to check other resources of such information. No endorsement by the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, DisabilityInfo.org, INDEX, or affiliates, should be inferred. We reserve the right to remove, to modify, or to add any information at any time, for any reason, and without notice.
Any information you may provide to update or further complete this information would be appreciated. Please contact us with comments. We appreciate your help.
