Most Common Types of Muscular Dystrophy

Most Common Types of Muscular Dystrophy 

Muscular dystrophy encompasses a set of genetic disorders. A gradual decline in muscle strength and deterioration characterizes it. You need to understand the differences between the types of muscular dystrophy. It is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management of these conditions.

There are more than 30 types of this disease. However, some are more common and better known than others. We want to tell you about the most common ones. We will shed light on their distinct characteristics, symptoms, and underlying genetic mutations. Each one brings unique challenges and considerations for patients and healthcare providers. So, keep reading and gain a deeper understanding of all these nuances. It is important to access appropriate support and resources. That way, you’ll manage this illness more effectively.

Understanding Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a set of genetic conditions. It is an evolving decline of the muscles that control movement. This disorder can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities. The signs can vary from mild muscle weakness to profound disability.

One of the most common causes of muscular dystrophy is a mutation in the genes. It affects those responsible for producing proteins essential for muscle structure and functionality. These mutations disrupt the normal production of these proteins.

There are several types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own specific genetic mutation and pattern. DMD is one of the most typical and severe forms. It usually affects boys in early childhood. Other types include Becker, facioscapulohumeral, and myotonic. We will discuss each of them in more detail below. 

As we’ve already mentioned, the manifestations may deviate. They depend on the kind and degree of the condition. However, there are some standard ones, like:

• Muscle deficiency;
• Gradual loss of muscle mass;
• Difficulty walking;
• Frequent falls;
• Trouble with motor skills (running, jumping, or climbing stairs).

As the illness progresses, you might encounter challenges with your breathing and heart function as well.

Currently, there is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Yet, there are some advancements in medical research. They allow us to create treatment strategies aimed at managing the state and improving quality of life. These may include physical and occupational therapy. Also, you might use assistive devices such as braces or wheelchairs. Another alternative is medications that address specific problems. For example, you can choose those that handle stiffness or cardiac complications.

We also recommend genetic counseling if you or your family notice the most common signs of muscular dystrophy. It can help you comprehend the inheritance pattern of the illness and make informed decisions about family planning.

Despite the challenges, people with this condition continue demonstrating resilience and strength. There’s ongoing support from medics, researchers, and advocacy organizations. So, efforts are being made to improve the treatment.

The Most Common Muscular Dystrophy Types

So, you already know the basics of this illness. However, as we have already mentioned there are so many different types of muscular dystrophy. They all differ in manifestations and demand diverse management. You need to get familiar with them, in order to handle them properly. Below, we gathered some of them for you.

Myotonic 

This adult-onset muscular dystrophy also consists of progressive muscle weakness and muscle deformities. Most often, this form of disease affects the small muscles. So, for example, initially, this may affect the work of the muscles of the face or neck.

This type of disease can appear during any period of life. In terms of gender, it affects both men and women. This form of MD can progress quite slowly. Sometimes people with this disease do not get a severe disability. However, they need to control their pulse and heartbeat. Also, adolescents may have cataracts due to this form of MD.

Symptoms of the myotonic can be as follows:

• Muscle stiffness;
• Cataract;
• Excessive sleep or drowsiness;
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Problems with behavior or learning;
• Slow heartbeat;
• Arrhythmia.

Such patients may have difficulty with general anesthesia and childbirth on time.

Duchenne 

Most often, this type of disease occurs in boys. Sometimes this condition also occurs in girls. However, girls take it more easily. Symptoms of this type of MD appear at about two years of age. The muscles of the pelvis and thighs are the first to be affected. Because of the disease, these muscles may appear larger than other children’s.

Symptoms of Dushina’s disease:

• Difficulty walking or other physical activity;
• Difficulty getting up;
• Speech delay;
• Behavioral difficulties.

Children with this problem may need a wheelchair closer to their teens. It is because children with this disease cannot walk independently.

Also, dilated cardiomyopathy appears in adolescents with this form of muscle atrophy. Closer to the age of 20, children with this pathology have problems with breathing.

So, this disease affects the heart’s muscles and breathing. People can die from heart problems or respiratory failure before the age of 30.

Facioscapulohumeral 

It’s also muscle deformity called muscular dystrophy. This type of MD happens to both sexes. However, men are more likely to receive this diagnosis. Boys are exposed to the disease earlier and have a more severe condition. A third of patients with this disease are unaware of the presence of the disease until the age of eighteen. This problem progresses slowly.

Symptoms of this type can be as follows:

• Sleep with open eyes;
• Inability to completely close the eyes;
• Inability to purse your lips;
• Pain in the shoulders;
• Weakness in the muscles of the legs.

This condition progresses slowly. Therefore, it may not reduce life expectancy.

Becker

It also usually affects boys. This problem usually affects the same parts of the body as Duchenne disease. The first signs of it can be seen in childhood. However, the condition may be mild for the child. So, the symptoms of this disease can be:

• Late walking skills;
• Muscle cramps during exercise;
• Reluctance to play sports at school.

As the disease progresses, children may find running. Also, there can be problems with walking fast, or climbing stairs. Adults with this type of muscular dystrophy may find lifting objects above the waist difficult.

Limb-Girdle 

It refers to some conditions that cause weakness at the base of the arms and legs. Among the first signs of this disease are problems with the hip girdle. Symptoms often appear in adolescence. Men and women are equally affected by this disease.

Symptoms of a lumbar disease can include the following:

• Muscle weakness in the hips and arms;
• Loss of muscle mass in the affected areas;
• Backache;
• Tachycardia;
• Arrhythmia.

The disease can cause problems such as difficulty lifting objects, running, or getting up from a low seat.

Oculopharyngeal

It is a rare form of muscular dystrophy. If a patient has such a disease, symptoms may not be noticeable until 50. It affects the muscles of the eyes and throat.

Symptoms of this form of MD may include:

• Dropped eyelids;
• Difficulties in swallowing;
• Restriction of eye movement;
• Weakness of the limbs in the area of the shoulders and hips.

The patient’s eyelids may droop. So, they can cover the eyes and impair the quality of vision. Also, patients may experience double vision. Furthermore, patients can face difficulty swallowing food or liquid. This form of disease can lead to chest infections due to improper swallowing of food. 

Adult-Onset Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy typically conjures images of childhood-onset and physical decline from a young age. However, adult-onset muscular dystrophy presents a distinct set of challenges. They often manifest later in life. 

Unlike the more familiar childhood forms, this one can emerge anywhere from late youth to well into adulthood. The symptoms may initially be subtle. People may notice gradual muscle deficiency, fatigue, or difficulty with certain tasks. Such signs can easily be mistaken for normal indications of aging.

Diagnosing adult-onset muscular dystrophy requires a multidisciplinary approach. You may need:

• Clinical evaluation;
• Genetic testing;
• Electromyography (EMG);
• Muscle biopsy;
• Imaging studies. 

Remember that a high index of suspicion is crucial for timely diagnosis.

Living with this disorder can be emotionally challenging too. You might navigate the uncertainties of a progressive condition later in life. We recommend engaging with support from medics, support groups, and social networks. It can be helpful in coping with the physical and emotional aspects of the illness.

Conclusion

The huge array of types of muscular dystrophy underscores the complexity of these genetic disorders. Each subtype presents its own set of signs, evolution trajectories, and management considerations. From the devastating childhood onset of Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the challenges of adult-onset forms like myotonic dystrophy. Recognizing the nuances of these conditions is essential. So, you can get a timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention. 

We strongly recommend seeking professional help from healthcare providers. You can consult with neurologists, genetic counselors, physical therapists, and other specialists. It is paramount for proper indication, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support. They can offer expertise, resources, and compassionate care. 

Additionally, ongoing research continues to unravel the underlying genetic mechanisms of this illness. They’re paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches and perhaps one day, a cure. Through collaboration, advocacy, and access to comprehensive care, you can improve outcomes and the quality of your life.

FAQs

How many types of muscular dystrophy are there? 

There are multiple types of muscular dystrophy, with over 30 identified subtypes.

Can muscular dystrophy appear in adulthood?

Yes, muscular dystrophy can appear in adulthood. Some forms, such as myotonic dystrophy and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, often manifest in adulthood.

What type of muscular dystrophy occurs in adults over 40?

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a type of muscular dystrophy that typically occurs in adults over the age of 40.

Is there a cure for muscular dystrophy?

Currently, there is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, slowing progression, and improving quality of life through various interventions and therapies.

How common is muscular dystrophy? 

Muscular dystrophy is relatively rare. And it affects around 1 in every 3,500 boys worldwide. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common type. It accounts for around 50% of cases.