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Becker muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that involves slowly worsening muscle weakness of the legs and pelvis.
Alternative NamesBenign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy; Becker's dystrophy
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsBecker muscular dystrophy is very similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, except that it gets worse at a much slower rate.
The disorder is passed down through families (inherited). Having a family history of the condition raises your risk.
Becker muscular dystrophy occurs in approximately 3 - 6 out of every 100,000 males. It is less common than Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
SymptomsFemales rarely develop symptoms. Males will develop symptoms if they inherit the defective gene. Symptoms usually appear in boys at about age 12, but may begin later.
Muscle weakness of the lower body, including the legs and pelvis area, slowly gets worse, causing:
- Difficulty walking that gets worse over time; by age 25-30 the person is usually unable to walk
- Frequent falls
- Difficulty with running, hopping, and jumping
- Loss of muscle mass
Muscle weakness in the arms, neck, and other areas is not as severe as in the lower body.
Other symptoms may include:
- Breathing problems
- Cognitive problems (these do not get worse over time)
- Fatigue
- Loss of balance and coordination
The health care provider will do a nervous system (neurological) and muscle examination. A careful medical history is also important, because the pattern of symptom development resembles that of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. However, Becker muscular dystrophy gets worse much more slowly.
An exam may find:
- Abnormally developed bones, leading to deformities of the chest and back (scoliosis)
- Abnormality of heart muscle function (cardiomyopathy)
- Congestive heart failure or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias) - rare
- Muscle deformities, including:
- Contractures of heels and legs
- Abnormal fat and connective tissue in calf muscles
- Muscle loss that begins in the legs and pelvis, then moves on to the muscles of the shoulders, neck, arms, and respiratory system
Tests that may be done include:
- CPK blood test
- Electromyography (EMG) nerve testing
- Muscle biopsyor genetic blood test
There is no known cure for Becker muscular dystrophy. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms to maximize the person's quality of life. Some doctors prescribe steroids to help keep a patient walking for as long as possible.
Activity is encouraged. Inactivity (such as bed rest) can make the muscle disease worse. Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs may improve mobility and self-care.
Genetic counseling may be recommended. Daughters of a man with Becker muscular dystrophy may carry the defective gene and could pass it onto their sons.
Support GroupsYou can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
See: Muscular dystrophy - support group
Expectations (prognosis)Becker muscular dystrophy leads to slowly worsening disability, although the degree of disability varies. Some men may need a wheelchair, while others may only need to use walking aids such as canes or braces.
Complications- Heart-related complications such as cardiomyopathy
- Lung failure
- Pneumonia or other respiratoryinfections
- Increasing and permanent disability, that leads to:
- Decreased ability to care for self
- Decreased mobility
Call your health care provider if:
- Symptoms of Becker muscular dystrophy appear
- A person with Becker muscular dystrophy develops new symptoms (particularly feverwith cough or breathing difficulties)
- You are planning to start a family and you or other family members have been diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy
Genetic counseling may be advised if there is a family history of Becker muscular dystrophy.
ReferencesKliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Muscular dystrophies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 608.
What else can I help you with?
Is muscular dystrophy and duchenne muscular dystrophy the same?
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by muscle weakening and wasting, while Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a specific type of muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. DMD is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy, typically affecting boys and leading to progressive muscle weakness and loss of function.
Is Electrical stimulation contra indicated to Becker's muscular dystrophy?
Electrical stimulation is generally not contraindicated for Becker's muscular dystrophy, but caution is advised. Patients with this condition may have varying degrees of muscle function and response to stimulation, so individualized assessments are crucial. Consulting with a healthcare professional familiar with muscular dystrophies is essential to determine the appropriateness and safety of electrical stimulation for each patient.
Common ailments of muscular system?
Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy,Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, Dermatomyositis,Compartment Syndrome,Myasthenia Gravis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Mitochondrial Myopathies,Rhabdomyolysis,Polymyositis,Fibromyalgia,Myotonia,Myofascial Pain Syndrome and etc.
At what age does Becker's muscular dystrophy appear?
Becker's muscular dystrophy typically appears in boys between the ages of 5 and 15, although symptoms can sometimes emerge as late as the mid-30s. The condition is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting, primarily affecting the muscles of the hips, pelvis, and thighs. Early signs may include difficulty with activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs.
What types of Muscular dystrophy affect girls?
Yes, girls can get muscular dystrophy too, even though some types show up more often in boys. Here’s how it breaks down: Duchenne & Becker Muscular Dystrophy (rare in girls) These are tied to mutations on the X chromosome. Girls have two X chromosomes, so most of the time, they just carry the gene and don’t have symptoms. Still, sometimes girls do show signs, they’re called “manifesting carriers”, and they might notice mild muscle weakness. Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) This one doesn’t discriminate. Boys and girls are affected the same. It causes weakness around your hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. Symptoms can kick in during childhood or even later as an adult. Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) Both boys and girls can get this. Muscle weakness usually starts in the face, shoulders, and upper arms, and it tends to get worse slowly over time. Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Congenital Muscular Dystrophy manifests from birth or early infancy. Both genders are at risk. Main signs are weak muscles and delayed motor milestones. Myotonic Dystrophy Again, boys and girls are equally at risk. You’ll see muscle stiffness along with weakness and sometimes issues with the heart or eyes, too. While Duchenne muscular dystrophy mostly affects boys, lots of types like LGMD, FSHD, and myotonic dystrophy don’t make that gender distinction. And even those X-linked ones can sometimes impact girls. If you notice muscle weakness or delayed development in a child, don’t wait. Early evaluation matters. MedicoExperts can connect you with neurologists who can help you.
What are the most inherited diseases?
1. Cystic Fibrosis 2. Huntington's Disease 3. Down Syndrome 4. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 5. Sickle Cell Anemia 6. Celiac Disease 7. Becker Muscular Dystrophy 8. Noonan Syndrome 9. Thalassemias 10. Bloom's Syndrome
What is the oldest age for a person to live with muscular dystrophy?
There is no single “oldest age” for someone with muscular dystrophy. Life expectancy depends mainly on the type of muscular dystrophy, severity, and access to medical care. For example: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) This is a more severe form that begins in childhood. In the past, many patients did not survive beyond their teens. Today, with better cardiac and respiratory care, many individuals live into their late 20s, 30s, and sometimes longer. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) This is usually milder and progresses more slowly. Many people with Becker muscular dystrophy can live into their 40s, 50s, or even beyond. Myotonic dystrophy Life expectancy varies widely. Some people have mild forms and live near-normal lifespans, while others with more severe complications may have a reduced lifespan. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) Many individuals with this type have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Some people with certain types of muscular dystrophy can live into their 60s, 70s, or even longer, especially with early diagnosis and proper management of heart and lung complications.
Can ophthalmoplegia happen with muscular dystrophy?
Some muscular dystrophies affect the muscles that control eye movement, leading to partial or complete ophthalmoplegia. For example: Myotonic dystrophy may cause weakness in the eye muscles, leading to limited eye movement over time. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) commonly affects the muscles of the eyes and throat, causing drooping eyelids (ptosis) and ophthalmoplegia. Mitochondrial muscle disorders, which can resemble muscular dystrophy, involve eye muscles and are a frequent cause of ophthalmoplegia. But Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy usually spare the eye muscles, so ophthalmoplegia is rare in these conditions. If eye movement problems are present, a neurologist or ophthalmologist may recommend further tests to identify the exact type of muscular disorder and guide management.
What has the author Peter Emil Becker written?
Peter Emil Becker has written: 'Dystrophia musculorum progressiva' -- subject(s): Cases, clinical reports, statistics, Genetic aspects, Genetic aspects of Muscular dystrophy, Muscular dystrophy 'Wege ins Dritte Reich' -- subject(s): Antisemitism, Eugenics, History, National socialism, Race relations, Racism 'Humangenetik' -- subject(s): Human genetics 'Myotonia congenita and syndromes associated with myotonia'
What are the chances of getting muscular dystrophy from you r parents?
The chances of inheriting muscular dystrophy from your parents largely depend on the specific type of muscular dystrophy and the inheritance pattern associated with it. For instance, Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies are X-linked recessive disorders, meaning that mostly males are affected and females can be carriers. If a mother is a carrier, there is a 50% chance of passing the gene to her sons, who would be affected, and a 50% chance for daughters to be carriers. Other types may follow different inheritance patterns, so genetic counseling is often recommended for families with a history of the condition.
How does the genetic defect that causes Becker dystrophy work?
In Becker dystrophy, there is a less-active form of dystrophin (a protein) disrupting the gateway regulator, allowing some leakage of intracellular substances, leading to the myopathy.
When do the symptoms of Becker muscular dystrophy usually appear?
usually appear in late childhood to early adulthood. Though the progression of symptoms may parallel that of DMD, the symptoms are usually milder and the course more variable
