Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common and severe form of the disease. It usually starts when a child is between ages 2 and 5.
Symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include:
Muscle weakness that begins in the hips, pelvis, and legs
Difficulty standing
Trouble learning to sit independently and walk
Unsteady, waddling gait
Walking on the toes or balls of the feet
Clumsiness, falling often
Trouble climbing stairs
Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
Larger-than-normal calves that are sometimes painful
Trouble breathing
Learning disabilities or behavioral problems
Curvature of the spine (scoliosis). This can cause one hip to rise higher than the other.
Breathing problems that may eventually require the use of a ventilator
By age 12, most children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy must use a wheelchair to get around. The disease also damages the heart and the muscles needed to breathe, which can be life threatening.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy
The symptoms of Becker muscular dystrophy are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. But Becker muscular dystrophy starts later -- around the teen years. It also develops much more slowly.
The first signs of Becker muscular dystrophy may be trouble walking fast, running, and climbing stairs. Other symptoms may include:
Muscle weakness that starts in the pelvis, shoulders, hips, and thighs
Difficulty learning how to walk
Waddling gait
Walking on the toes
Larger-than-normal calves
Muscle cramps when exercising
Trouble lifting objects above waist height because of shoulder and arm weakness
Heart and breathing problems (later in life)
Often children with Becker muscular dystrophy can walk. As they get older they may need to use a cane or wheelchair to get around.
Myotonic Dystrophy
The symptoms of myotonic dystrophy may be obvious from birth or they can develop later -- during the teenage or adult years.