Muscular Dystrophy is the name given to a large group of muscle diseases characterised by the development of muscle weakness, wasting and contractures, that are usually progressive and sometimes life threatening. Each disease is caused by one of a large variety of inherited gene abnormalities. The severity of the symptoms, the age at which the symptoms appear, how fast the symptoms progress, and the pattern of inheritance the disorder follows, are all factors which differ among the various forms of muscular dystrophy.

These diseases often manifest in childhood, although some may begin in adulthood. Over time, persons with Muscular Dystrophy may lose the ability to walk, and ultimately breathe. For some individuals, the disorder is life-threatening. At present, there is no cure for Muscular Dystrophy.

Types of Muscular Dystrophy
There are many conditions for Muscular Dystrophy and these vary according to characteristics such as pattern of inheritance, origin of the genetic mutation, incidence, symptoms, age of onset, rate of progression and prognosis. The list below only includes the more common examples of the disorder. If you have a muscle disease that is not in the list and would like to join the association, please contact us for further enquires.