Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a genetically inherited condition
where slow, progressive, muscle wasting leads to increasing weakness and
disability.
There are over 20 types of this muscular disorder, each
differing in their symptoms and severity. Most types of muscular dystrophy are
very rare, but cause mutations in the genes that are responsible for the
structure and functioning of a person's muscles.
The mutations bring about changes to the muscle fibres, and
interfere with their ability to contract.
As muscle contraction plays an essential part in the
functioning of muscles, muscular dystrophy often results in severe disability.
Sufferers may have difficulty walking or even standing,
clumsiness, frequent falls and breathing problems. The range and severity of
symptoms varies depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.