Muscular dystrophy is not a single disease but a group of mostly inherited diseases that cause progressive weakness and eventual loss of muscle mass, known as muscle wasting. There are many types of muscular dystrophy, each affecting different muscle groups, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include difficulties with everyday tasks such as walking, sitting up, moving limbs, and maintaining balance, depending on the muscles affected. This patient information book provides a comprehensive overview of muscular dystrophy. It starts with a brief introduction to the condition, followed by descriptions of various types of muscular dystrophy listed in alphabetical order. These types include Becker muscular dystrophy, collagen type VI-related disorders, congenital muscular dystrophy, distal muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, myotonic muscular dystrophy, and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. The book then explores the genetics behind muscular dystrophy, progresses to symptoms and diagnosis, and concludes with a discussion of treatment options, all explained in simple terms. While primarily aimed at patients, their families, and caregivers, this guide also serves as a valuable resource for researchers, particularly those early in their careers, who are interested in this field. This is part of the “Public Education Series” initiative of Exon Publications.

Muscular Dystrophy: Patient Education
ISBN: 978-0-6458663-3-9; Exon Publications, Brisbane, Australia