Definition - One of nine
types of muscular dystrophy, a group of genetic,
degenerative diseases primarily affecting
voluntary muscles.
Cause - Insufficient production of
dystrophin, a protein that helps keep muscle
cells intact.
Onset
- Adolescence or adulthood.
Symptoms - Generalized
weakness and wasting first affecting the muscles
of the hips, pelvic area, thighs and shoulders.
Calves are often enlarged. BMD is similar
to Duchenne muscular dystrophy but often
much less severe. There can be significant
heart involvement.
Progression -
Disease progresses slowly and with variability
but can affect all voluntary muscles. Most
with BMD survive well into mid- to late adulthood.
Inheritance - X-linked
recessive. BMD primarily affects boys and
men, who inherit the disease through their
mothers. Women can be carriers but usually
exhibit no symptoms.
 Facts About Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies |
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