Becker's muscular dystrophy

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Superficial anterior muscles

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Becker's muscular dystrophy

Alternative Names:

Benign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy

Treatment:

There is no known cure for Becker's muscular dystrophy. Treatment is aimed at control of symptoms to maximize the quality of life.

Activity is encouraged. Inactivity (such as bed rest) can worsen the muscle disease. Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs may improve mobility and self-care.

Genetic counseling may be advisable. Sons of a man with Becker's muscular dystrophy do not develop the disorder, but daughters may be carriers. The daughters' sons may develop the disorder.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See muscular dystrophy - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Becker's muscular dystrophy results in slowly progressive disability. Death usually occurs in the fifth decade but some patients live to an advanced age.

Complications:

Deformities
Permanent, progressive disability
- Decreased mobility
- Decreased ability to care for self
Mental impairment (varies) -- see mental retardation
Cardiomyopathy
Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
Respiratory failure

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms that suggest Becker's muscular dystrophy appear.

Call your health care provider if a person with Becker's muscular dystrophy develops new symptoms (particularly fever with cough or breathing difficulties).

Call your health care provider if you are planning a family and Becker's muscular dystrophy has been diagnosed in you or other family members.

Review Date: 7/25/2002
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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