Alternate Names : Benign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy, Becker’s dystrophy
Definition
Becker’s muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves slowly worsening muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Becker’s muscular dystrophy is very similar to Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, except that it gets worse at a much slower rate.
The disorder is inherited. Women rarely develop symptoms. Men will develop symptoms if they inherit the defective gene.
Becker’s muscular dystrophy occurs in approximately 3 – 6 out of every 100,000 males.
Because this is an inherited disorder, risks include having a family history of Becker’s muscular dystrophy.
Pictures & Images
Superficial anterior muscles
Superficial muscles are close to the surface of the skin. Muscles which lie closer to bone or internal organs are called deep muscles.
-
Becker’s muscular dystrophy : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Becker’s muscular dystrophy : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Becker’s muscular dystrophy : Treatment
Review Date : 12/17/2008
Reviewed By : Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
