1. Muscle Weakness as the Main Symptom
Muscle weakness is the primary symptom of muscular dystrophy (MD), though the age of onset and area of the body affected can vary depending on the type of MD. This is a progressive disease, so it may not reveal itself for quite some time. People who have most forms of MD have trouble walking and going up and down stairs. They may also have difficulty using their arms. Children who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are diagnosed much earlier than those with other forms of the disease. Usually, they are diagnosed when they are between 3 and 5 years old. Children with DMD usually end up needing equipment to help them breathe because their chest muscles and lungs are severely weakened.
2. Other Physical Signs
Other physical signs of muscular dystrophy depend on the type of disease that you have. People who have Duchenne MD tend to have large calf muscles, called pseudohypertrophy, as a main symptom. Symptoms of myotonic MD can include dizziness and fainting, balding if you are a man, cataracts and diabetes. Congenital MD shows itself through joint deformities and muscle weakness.
3. Neurological Symptoms May Be Present
Muscular dystrophy can produce neurological symptoms as well as physical limitations. Many parents of children with DMD start looking for a diagnosis because their children are missing developmental milestones in addition to having a muscle weakness. It's not unusual for kids with Duchenne MD to have learning disabilities or speech delays. Some even may present mild retardation. Other forms of the disease may manifest as troubled concentration, sleepiness during the day and insomnia at night. These symptoms and other physical difficulties may point to a variety of illnesses and disorders. If you suspect you or your child may have muscular dystrophy, make an appointment with your doctor for further testing.
