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Muscular Dystrophy

Hattiesburg Clinic’s pediatric neurologist brings specialized expertise to the diagnosis and ongoing management of muscular dystrophy in children.
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Muscular Dystrophy Overview

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle function. Different types of muscular dystrophy affect children in different ways. Some forms begin in infancy or early childhood, while others may not become noticeable until later.

Pediatric neurology plays an important role in evaluating children with muscle weakness or developmental concerns, identifying the underlying cause and providing ongoing management as the condition changes over time.

What Causes Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is caused by genetic changes that affect proteins needed for healthy muscle function. Most forms are inherited, although some cases result from genetic changes that occur spontaneously and are not inherited from a parent.

Muscular dystrophy is not caused by exercise or an injury. The specific genetic change and the protein it affects vary depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.

Types of Muscular Dystrophy

There are many types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own pattern of muscle weakness, age of onset and progression. Types that may affect children include:

  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): The most common childhood form, typically causing progressive muscle weakness beginning in early childhood
  • Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A form similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy that generally progresses more slowly and may begin later in childhood or adolescence
  • Congenital Muscular Dystrophies: A group of conditions that are present at birth or become apparent during infancy or early childhood
  • Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophies: A group of conditions that primarily cause weakness around the hips and shoulders, although symptoms vary by type
  • Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy: A form that commonly affects the muscles of the face, shoulder blades and upper arms
  • Myotonic Dystrophy: A form that can cause muscle weakness and difficulty relaxing muscles after contraction, with symptoms varying by type and age of onset

Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

Symptoms vary by type of muscular dystrophy, but muscle weakness that progresses over time is a common feature.

Early Signs of Muscular Dystrophy in Children

  • Delayed motor milestones
  • Difficulty running, jumping or climbing stairs
  • Frequent falls
  • Difficulty getting up from the floor
  • Difficulty keeping up with other children during physical activity
  • Walking on the toes or an unusual walking pattern
  • Enlarged calf muscles in some forms
  • Muscle fatigue or weakness
  • Difficulty lifting the arms

Symptoms That May Develop Over Time

As muscular dystrophy progresses, children may experience:

  • Increasing difficulty walking or climbing stairs
  • Loss of muscle strength and mobility
  • Contractures or limited joint movement
  • Scoliosis
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart complications in some forms
  • Fatigue and challenges with daily activities

Diagnosing Muscular Dystrophy

Diagnosing muscular dystrophy begins with a detailed evaluation of the child’s symptoms, development and medical history. Testing may then be used to identify the specific cause of muscle weakness and determine the type of muscular dystrophy.

  • Medical and Developmental History: Review of the child’s symptoms, developmental milestones and changes in muscle weakness over time
  • Family History: Information about muscle weakness or muscular dystrophy among family members
  • Neurologic and Physical Examination: Evaluation of muscle strength, reflexes, coordination and movement
  • Blood and Genetic Testing: Blood tests, including creatine kinase testing, and genetic testing to identify changes associated with muscular dystrophy
  • Electromyography (EMG): Evaluation of muscle and nerve function when additional information is needed
  • Muscle Biopsy: Examination of muscle tissue in selected cases when other testing does not provide enough information

Muscular Dystrophy Treatment

There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatment can help manage symptoms, maintain function and address complications. Treatment depends on the specific type of muscular dystrophy and the child’s individual needs.

  • Physical Therapy: Support for mobility, flexibility and muscle function
  • Occupational Therapy: Support for daily activities and adaptations as strength or mobility changes
  • Medications: Treatment to help slow disease progression or manage specific symptoms, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy
  • Respiratory and Cardiac Care: Monitoring and specialty care for heart or breathing complications associated with some forms of muscular dystrophy
  • Assistive Devices and Other Support: Braces, orthotics, mobility devices, wheelchairs and other equipment to support mobility and daily activities
  • Ongoing, Coordinated Care: Regular follow-up to monitor strength, mobility and overall health and address complications as they develop

Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Muscular dystrophy can change over time, making regular evaluation and ongoing management an important part of care. Hattiesburg Clinic’s pediatric neurologist monitors changes in muscle strength, mobility and symptoms to help guide care as a child grows. When additional care is needed, the pediatric neurologist works with the child’s pediatrician and other Hattiesburg Clinic specialists to support a coordinated approach to the child’s changing needs.

Locations

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Pediatric Neurology
Hattiesburg, MS
Pediatric Neurology
Hattiesburg Clinic -
Lincoln Center
1 Lincoln Pkwy.
Ste. 303
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
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(601) 268-5620
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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