Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and Related Diseases
The muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of more than 30 genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Some forms of MD are seen in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. MD is a progressive disease and symptoms may get worse over time.
Becker MD starts with muscle loss and weakness in the pelvis, things and shoulders. It is often described as a milder form of Duchenne MD.
Duchenne MD is the most common form of MD and primarily affects boys. Onset is between 3 and 5 years and the disorder progresses rapidly.
Myotonic MD is the disorder’s most common adult form and individuals display prolonged muscle spasms, cataracts, cardiac abnormalities, and endocrine disturbances. Individuals with myotonic MD have long, thin faces, drooping eyelids, and a swan-like neck
About Neuromuscular Diseases – A look at causes, symptoms, and care options for neuromuscular diseases.
Associations/Groups:
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Massachusetts Office
33 Lyman Street # 205
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: 508 898-3375
Email: worcester@mdausa.org
Massachusetts MDA Clinics:
- UMass Memorial Medical Center
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
Phone: 508-334-2527 - Lahey Clinic Foundation
41 Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01805
Phone: 781-273-8632 - Brigham & Women’s Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-732-4913 - Children’s Hospital Boston
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-355-6381 - Massachusetts General Hospital
15 Parkman Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 726-5533 - Tufts Medical Center
800 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-636-5631
Pediatric Neuromuscular Service – Mass General Hospital Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic offers coordinated, multidisciplinary care for infants, children and adolescents with a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders
Other Information:
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy – Duchenne Muscular Dystophy Information
Request Services – Muscular Dystrophy Association
Types of Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular Diseases – Mass General Hospital
Muscular Dystrophy Information Page – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Muscular Dystrophy – US National Library of Medicine
Muscular Dystrophy Basics – Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Muscular Dystrophy Resource List for Families – Muscular Dystrophy Association
What is Muscular Dystrophy? – Center for Disease Control
Fact Sheet last updated on: 6/28/2021
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