Types

1. Duchenne- 1/3,500 boys, girls can carry the gene. Begins at the age of 5 years.
2. Becker- 1/30,000 boys. Begin in teen years.
3. Myotonic-Most common adult form. Begins any time under age of 20 years.
4. Limb-gridle-Boys and girls equally. Begins at age 8-15 years.
5. Facioscapulohumeral-Boys and girls. Begins in teen years.
6. Distal-Boys and girls. Begins at 40-60 years old
7. Congenital-Boys and girls. Begins at birth.
8. Oculopharyngeal-Boys and girls. Begins at 40-50 years.
9. Emery-Dreifuss- Boys. Begins at 10-25 years.

Characteristics
Different types affect different muscles
Duchenne- Weakened pelvic muscles, may be in a wheelchair by age 12. As this
progresses it moves to the shoulder, back, arm, and leg muscles.
Becker-Same as Ducheene, only slower progress and is less common.
Myotonic-Myotonia (hard to relax muscle) and muscle wasting (muscles shorten).
Cataracts and heart problems may appear.
Limb-gridle- Progresses slowly and weakens the pelvic, shoulder, and back muscles. May
need a wheelchair as an adult.
Facioscapulohumeral-Progresses slowly and starts in the face (facio), shoulder (scapula),
and upper arms (humeral). Hard to close eyes, lift objects, and raise hand.
Distal-Hands, forearms, lower legs, and feet.
Congenital-Optic atrophy (nerve), epilepsy, intellectual disability, cardiomyopathy
(abnormal heart muscle).
Oculopharyngeal- eye (oculo) muscle, throat (pharynx).
Emery-Dreifuss-Contractures (shortening, hardening of muscles, tendons and tissues) in
ankles, knees, and other joints.

Causes
Genetic
o Complications with the information in the DNA that produces the protein
dystrophin.
o Without the protein the muscle weakens and breaks down.

Secondary Medical Conditions

Scoliosis
Heart Complications
Respiratory Complications
Cataracts
Intellectual Disability
Epilepsy
Digestive Complications
Endocrine System Complications
Sleeping Disorders

Treatment
No cure.
Prednisone-a steroid that helps slow down the process of deteriorating muscle.
Assistive Devices
o Braces
o Wheelchair-manual or motorized
o Robotic Technology-new and still in development
Physical Therapy-R.O.M