page_title: Muscular dystrophy
section_title: Classification
hierarchical_section_title: Muscular dystrophy / Diagnosis / Classification
caption_attribution_description: English: Ct-scan of the brain with hydrocephalus Nederlands: Ct-scan van de hersenen met hydrocefalus
context_page_description: Muscular dystrophy is a group of muscle diseases that results in increasing weakening and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time. The disorders differ in which muscles are primarily affected, the degree of weakness, how fast they worsen, and when symptoms begin. Many people will eventually become unable to walk. Some types are also associated with problems in other organs.
  The muscular dystrophy group contains thirty different genetic disorders that are usually classified into nine main categories or types. The most common type is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which typically affects males beginning around the age of four. Other types include Becker muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy. They are due to mutations in genes that are involved in making muscle proteins. This can occur due to either inheriting the defect from one's parents or the mutation occurring during early development. Disorders may be X-linked recessive, autosomal recessive, or autosomal dominant. Diagnosis often involves blood tests and genetic testing.
  There is no cure for muscular dystrophy.
caption: Hydrocephalus
exif: {}