Browsing: Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. There are multiple types of muscular dystrophy, each with varying degrees of severity and different affected muscles. The most common form, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), primarily affects boys and typically manifests in early childhood. MD is caused by mutations in genes responsible for muscle function, leading to the absence or malfunction of crucial muscle proteins. Symptoms often include muscle wasting, difficulty walking, and respiratory and cardiac complications. While there is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and surgical interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Ongoing research aims to develop gene therapies and other innovative treatments to combat the disease.