What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
'''Duchenne muscular dystrophy''' ('''DMD''') is a severe type of [[muscular dystrophy]]. The symptom of [[muscle weakness]] usually begins around the age of four in boys and worsens quickly. Most are unable to walk by the age of 12. [[Scoliosis]] is also common. The disorder is [[X-linked recessive inheritance|X-linked recessive]]. About two thirds of cases are [[heredity|inherited from a person's mother]], while one third of cases are due to a new [[mutation]]. It is caused by a mutation in the [[gene]] for the [[protein]] [[dystrophin]]. Although there is no known cure, [[physical therapy]], [[orthopedic brace|braces]], and corrective surgery may help with some symptoms.<ref name=NIH2016Re>{{cite web|title=Muscular Dystrophy: Hope Through Research|url=http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/md/detail_md.htm#180483171|website=NINDS|access-date=12 September 2016|date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930165657/http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/md/detail_md.htm#180483171|archive-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Diseases and disorders of the nervous system]] {{med-stub}}