Becker muscular dystrophy

Disease Overview

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an inherited condition that causes progressive weakness and wasting of the skeletal and cardiac (heart) muscles. It primarily affects males.[890][7238] The age of onset and rate of progression can vary. Muscle weakness usually becomes apparent between the ages of 5 and 15. In some cases, heart involvement (cardiomyopathy) is the first sign.[7238] BMD is caused by a mutation in the DMD gene and is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. BMD is very similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, except that in BMD, symptoms begin later and progress at a slower rate.[890] There is no cure for this condition, but there is ongoing research that shows significant promise in treating the disease. Current treatment aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.[1730] People with BMD may survive into their 40s or beyond.[890]

Synonyms

• Becker dystrophinopathy
• Benign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy
• Becker's muscular dystrophy
• Muscular dystrophy, Becker type
• Muscular dystrophy pseudohypertrophic progressive, Becker type