Medical Health Encyclopedia

Muscular dystrophy


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial anterior muscles
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Definition

Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders that involve muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.


Alternative Names

Inherited myopathy, MD


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Muscular dystrophies, or MD, are a group of inherited conditions, which means they are passed down through families. They may occur in childhood or adulthood. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy. They include:



Review Date: 03/09/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




Find a Therapist
PR Newswire