Make Health My Homepage
More Ways to Get Health!
gift newsletter igoogle healthyvoice

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Health's Top Stories
Get a weekly look at the most popular stories on Health.com.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy


content provided by Healthwise

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare disease that causes muscles to grow weaker, beginning with the leg muscles. The disease is passed from a mother, who carries the gene but does not have the disease, to her son (X-linked).

Most boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy need a wheelchair by age 12 and die before age 20 of a lung infection or heart problems.


Last Updated: May 14, 2008
Author:
Sandy Jocoy, RN
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine

Siobhan M. Dolan, MD, MPH - Reproductive Genetics


© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.



This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Advertisement