What causes Becker muscular dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic problem in producing dystrophin, a protein that protects muscle fibers from breaking down when exposed to enzymes. People with Becker muscular dystrophy produce more dystrophin than those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Who gets Becker muscular dystrophy?

Who gets Becker Muscular Dystrophy? Boys are affected almost exclusively and every ethnic background is affected. In a group of 100,000 people, approximately 3 will be affected with BMD Some patients who have BMD can live a normal lifespan, however most die sometime after the age of 40.

What is the difference between Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker?

Both Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are caused by mutations in a protein called dystrophin. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, functioning dystrophin is completely absent in muscle, while in Becker muscular dystrophy, there is some dystrophin present, although not enough for completely normal muscle function.

What muscles does Becker muscular dystrophy affect?

Becker muscular dystrophy affects the muscles of the hips, pelvic area, thighs, and shoulders, as well as the heart. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is one of nine types of muscular dystrophies, a group of genetic, degenerative diseases primarily affecting voluntary muscles.

Is Becker’s muscular dystrophy fatal?

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) generally leads to slowly worsening disability, but the amount of disability can vary among affected people. Some men need a wheelchair, while others may only need walking aids such as canes or braces. The lifespan is often shorted due to heart disease and respiratory complications.

Can females get Becker’s muscular dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy follows x-linked recessive inheritance so it mostly affects males, but some females are affected. Becker muscular dystrophy usually begins in the teens or early twenties and symptoms vary greatly between affected individuals.

Is Becker muscular dystrophy fatal?

Can females get Becker muscular dystrophy?

Does Becker muscular dystrophy cause pain?

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients don’t tend to suffer from pain from their condition or loss of sensations, but they may experience cramps and general aching which can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

Are you born with Becker muscular dystrophy?

Congenital. This type affects boys and girls and is apparent at birth or before age 2. Some forms progress slowly and cause only mild disability, while others progress rapidly and cause severe impairment.

What is Duchenne and Becker?

Duchenne is a dystrophinopathy, and is one of two diagnoses (Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy) that is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for a protein called dystrophin . Without dystrophin, muscles are not able to function or repair themselves properly.

What are the first signs of muscular dystrophy?

The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.

What is the life span of muscular dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy typically gets worse over time and reduces life expectancy. The majority of people diagnosed with it live between 40 and 50 years. The outlook is different for each individual because the disease can vary in its severity.

What is the life expectancy of congenital muscular dystrophy?

DMD affects about one in 5,000 males at birth. It is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. The average life expectancy is 26; however, with excellent care, some may live into their 30s or 40s.