Becker Muscular Dystrophy

What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a rare genetic condition that causes muscle weakness. It usually has milder symptoms and occurs later than Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is more common.

It mostly impacts those assigned male at birth and gets worse over time. There is unfortunately no cure, but there are treatments that can help manage symptoms.

What Causes Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene, which is located within the X chromosome. This is why it mostly affects those assigned male at birth. People assigned female at birth are only carriers and usually don’t have symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

Symptoms usually appear between the ages of 5 and 15, and may include:

Difficulty walking
Muscle pain
Toe walking
Fatigue
Frequent falls
Enlarged calves
Weakness in arms and shoulders
Difficulty breathing

BMD causes weakness of skeletal muscles, breathing muscles, and the heart muscle. Over time, the muscle fibers break down. Although skeletal muscle involvement is generally less severe than in DMD, heart involvement is often more of a problem with BMD.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Becker Muscular Dystrophy

The two main types of treatment for Becker Muscular Dystrophy are corticosteroids and rehabilitation. We will work closely with you and other providers to develop an individualized treatment plan.

Our comprehensive, multidisciplinary Neuromuscular clinic team focuses on all aspects of neuromuscular disease in adults and children, providing diagnosis and treatment using:

Newborn screening
Genetic confirmation
Genetic and family counseling
Gene therapy
Infusion therapy
Physical therapy
Prevention and management of secondary symptoms and complications, including cardiac, respiratory, behavioral, endocrine (glands and hormones), and bone health
Access to clinical trials
Coordination of care with schools and other providers

What Sets Us Apart?

Our team of experts specialize in what’s needed to care for all forms of adult and childhood muscular dystrophy. We coordinate care tailored to the needs of patients and families, in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Our team also evaluates and treats patients with neuromuscular diseases not covered by the MDA.

UR Medicine is home to one of six NIH-funded Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Centers, and our clinicians are active in research, serving as principal investigators for national and international multi-center trials. Their work includes investigating the best treatment of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, as well as education and advocacy involving all neuromuscular diseases.

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