DD is marked by progressive weakness and/or wasting of the voluntary distal muscles.
They can vary widely in severity, symptoms, and progression.
Sometimes the muscles get so weak that mobility and range of motion are affected.
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Causes
DD is aninherited condition, meaning it’s passed down from parent to child.
It can be either:
There is no difference in risk between males and females.
The specific diagnosis is based on which gene is affected or which mutation is present.
The exam is especially important in seeing any pattern of weakness.
Treatment depends on the symptoms of the individual.
If the heart is affected, this must be monitored.
Prognosis
The prognosis for DD will depend on the subtype a person has.
It also depends on the individual progression of the disorder.
Your provider can further explain your specific prognosis, taking into account your personal health history and functioning.
Talk with your healthcare provider about finding a counselor or getting involved in asupport group.
A professional can also assess you fordepressionoranxietyif you have symptomsboth of which can impair your quality of life.
There is help for these symptoms, and you might develop coping tools and strategies with support.
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the subtype.
A Word From Verywell
Living with any long-term condition isnt easy, especially if it is progressive.
Therapies, both physical and emotional, are available to support you.
New research is being done all the time.
If youre interested inclinical trials, talk with your treatment team about whether that is a possibility for you.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Distal myopathies.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Types of distal MD.
Muscular Dystrophy Association.Signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About muscular dystrophy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Distal myopathy.
