Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic, degenerative diseases primarily affecting voluntary muscles.
The Cause is an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact and the onset takes place in early childhood - about 2 to 6 years.
Symptoms include generalized weakness and muscle wasting first affecting the musclesof the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders. DMD eventually affects all voluntary muscles, and the heart and breathing muscles. Survival is rare beyond the early 30s.
The Cause is an absence of dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle cells intact and the onset takes place in early childhood - about 2 to 6 years.
Symptoms include generalized weakness and muscle wasting first affecting the musclesof the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders. DMD eventually affects all voluntary muscles, and the heart and breathing muscles. Survival is rare beyond the early 30s.
