Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
(DMD; Pseudohypertrophic Muscular Dystrophy)
by Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease. The main sign of DMD is muscle weakness that worsens over time. Before age 5, the muscles in the legs, arms, and trunk begin to weaken. Later in the disease, the heart and respiratory muscles weaken.
DMD is caused by a genetic mutation. The mutation causes the gene to make inadequate amounts of a protein called dystrophin. This protein is needed to keep muscles intact.
Risk Factors TOP
Male children and children with a family history of DMD are at increased risk.
Symptoms of DMD may include:
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be asked if there is any family history of neuromuscular disease. The exam will focus on your child’s muscles. Signs of weakness will be looked for. Your child will likely be referred to a specialist.
Your child's bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:
Your child's nerves and muscles may be tested. This can be done with electromyography (EMG).
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for your child. The disease worsens over time. Your child may need different treatments as the disease progresses. Options include the following:
Therapy plays a large role in treating DMD. Your child will work with a therapist to try to keep muscles strong.
The disease causes contractures. This is when a muscle shortens, making it difficult to move. The therapist will focus on preventing this with range of motion exercises.
Scoliosis is common in DMD. Exercises can help to keep the back as straight as possible.
Braces are used to keep the legs straight and prevent contractures. A walker and wheelchair may be needed later when the leg muscles become too weak to walk.
Steroid medication, like prednisone, may be prescribed. This can help to improve muscle strength and slow muscle weakening. Steroids can weaken bones. To keep bones healthy, vitamin D and calcium supplements may be prescribed. If heart problems exist, medications may be given to slow the damage.
Respiratory Therapy TOP
As the disease progresses, the muscles that support breathing may weaken. A ventilator may be needed. It will deliver air through a mask, tube, or sometimes through a surgical hole in the windpipe called a tracheotomy.
Surgery is sometimes used to treat symptoms of DMD. For severe contractures, surgery may be done to release specific tendons. Scoliosis can sometimes interfere with your child’s breathing. In this case, back surgery may be done.
There are no known guidelines to prevent this progressive muscle disease.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Muscle Dystrophy Canada
Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed May 2, 2016.
Last reviewed June 2016 by Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS
Last Updated: 5/23/2014
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at email@example.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.