Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy groups together several diseases of genetic origin that cause weakness and progressive loss of muscle mass. There are different types, which vary in age of onset and in the muscle groups affected.

Frequent symptoms: Weakness that progresses over time, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, frequent falls, and, in some cases, respiratory or cardiac problems.

Common causes: It is due to abnormalities in the genes involved in the formation and maintenance of muscle tissue, so it usually has a hereditary component.

Which specialist treats it? The neurologist and the pediatric neurologist evaluate the muscle involvement, the geneticist studies the hereditary component, and the internist collaborates on comprehensive follow-up. If your family has a history or you notice weakness that progresses, it is worth bringing it up with a physician who can guide you.