
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions β written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The hallmark of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness. A positive history of a family member with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and history of consanguinity marriage in their parents is suggestive of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The most common symptoms of muscle weakness specially in the lower limbs, difficulty rising from a sitting position, balance problems, toe walking, grow retardation, clumsiness, frequent falls, multiple fractures, increase the size of the back of the lower leg, curvature of the spine, and breathing problems. Less common symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include mild cognitive impairment (OCD, anxiety, autism, ADHD) and developmental delay.
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
- The hallmark of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness. A positive history of a family member with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and history of consanguinity marriage in their parents is suggestive of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The most common symptoms of muscle weakness specially in the lower limbs, difficulty rising from a sitting position, balance problems, toe walking, grow retardation, clumsiness, frequent falls, multiple fractures, increase the size of the back of the lower leg, curvature of the spine, and breathing problems.
History
Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may have a positive history of:[1]
- A family member with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- History of consanguinity marriage in their parents
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include:[2][3][4][5]
- Muscle weakness specially in the lower limbs starting between the ages of 2 and 5 years
- Difficulty rising from a sitting position
- Balance problems
- Toe walking
- Grow retardation
- Clumsiness
- Frequent falls
- Multiple fractures
- Increase the size of the back of the lower leg
- Curvature of the spine
- Breathing problems
- Urinary problems
Less Common Symptoms
Less common symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include:[6]
- Mild cognitive impairment (OCD, anxiety, autism, ADHD)
- Developmental delay
References
References
- β MORTON NE, CHUNG CS (December 1959). “Formal genetics of muscular dystrophy”. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 11: 360β79. PMCΒ 1932041. PMIDΒ 14424475.
- β Gardner-Medwin D (May 1980). “Clinical features and classification of the muscular dystrophies”. Br. Med. Bull. 36 (2): 109β15. PMIDΒ 7020835.
- β Parker AE, Robb SA, Chambers J, Davidson AC, Evans K, O’Dowd J, Williams AJ, Howard RS (October 2005). “Analysis of an adult Duchenne muscular dystrophy population”. QJM. 98 (10): 729β36. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hci113. PMIDΒ 16135534.
- β Eiholzer U, Boltshauser E, Frey D, Molinari L, Zachmann M (August 1988). “Short stature: a common feature in Duchenne muscular dystrophy”. Eur. J. Pediatr. 147 (6): 602β5. PMIDΒ 3181201.
- β Kohler M, Clarenbach CF, BΓΆni L, Brack T, Russi EW, Bloch KE (October 2005). “Quality of life, physical disability, and respiratory impairment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy”. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 172 (8): 1032β6. doi:10.1164/rccm.200503-322OC. PMIDΒ 15961695.
- β Mirski KT, Crawford TO (November 2014). “Motor and cognitive delay in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: implication for early diagnosis”. J. Pediatr. 165 (5): 1008β10. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.07.006. PMIDΒ 25149498.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.
