Many individuals eventually lose the ability to walk. Some types of MD also affect the heart, gastrointestinal system, endocrine glands, spine, eyes, brain, and other organs. Respiratory and cardiac diseases may occur, and some people may develop a swallowing disorder.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common childhood form of the disease; it occurs in one of every 3,300 male births. It is a sex-linked disorder, meaning that it strikes males almost exclusively.

Over thirty different disorders are classified as muscular dystrophies. Of them, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) accounts for approximately 50% of cases and affects males beginning around the age of four….Classification.

Muscle weakness typically begins in the face, hip and shoulders. The shoulder blades might stick out like wings when arms are raised. Onset usually occurs in the teenage years but can begin in childhood or as late as age 50.

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Prescription drugs are available to control muscular dystrophy symptoms or slow their progression. Medications for muscular dystrophy include: Steroids.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy usually affects males. However, females are also affected in rare instances. Approximately 8% of female Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) carriers are manifesting carriers and have muscle weakness to some extent.

Brain imaging and studies have shown that fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system. “It’s a neurological disease driven by the central nervous system,” says Clauw.

Signs and symptoms Symptoms of muscle disease may include muscular weakness, rigidity, loss of muscular control, numbness, tingling, twitching, spasms, muscle pain and certain types of limb pain.