Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Muscular Dystrophy, Becker is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Benign Juvenile Muscular Dystrophy
• BMD
• Progressive Tardive Muscular Dystrophy

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Becker muscular dystrophy is in the category of inherited muscle wasting diseases caused by a gene abnormality (mutation) that results in deficient or abnormal production of the dystrophin protein (dystrophinopathies). The abnormal gene is called DMD and is located on the X chromosome. Becker muscular dystrophy follows x-linked recessive inheritance so it mostly affects males, but some females are affected. Becker muscular dystrophy usually begins in the teens or early twenties and symptoms vary greatly between affected individuals. Muscle deterioration progresses slowly but usually results in the need for a wheel chair. Muscles of the heart deteriorate (cardiomyopathy) in some affected individuals, and this process can become life-threatening. Learning disabilities involving visual abilities may be present.

Resources

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
158 Linwood Plaza
Suite 220
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
USA
Tel: 2019449985
Fax: 2019449987
Tel: 8007145437
Email: Pat@parentprojectmd.org
Internet: http://www.parentprojectmd.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 E. Sunrise Dr
Tucson, AZ 85718
USA
Tel: 5205292000
Fax: 5205295300
Tel: 8003444863
Email: mda@mdausa.org
Internet: http://www.mdausa.org

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign
7-11 Prescott Place
London, SW4 6BS
United Kingdom
Email: info@muscular-dystrophy.org
Internet: http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Society for Muscular Dystrophy Information International
P.O. Box 4790
Bridgewater
Nova Scotia, B4V 2X6
Canada
Tel: 902-685-3961
Fax: 902-685-3962
Email: smdi@auracom.com
Internet: http://users.auracom.com/smdi

New Horizons Un-Limited, Inc.
811 East Wisconsin Ave
Suite 937
Milwaukee, WI 53202
USA
Tel: 4142990124
Fax: 4143471977
Email: horizons@new-horizons.org
Internet: http://www.new-horizons.org

Let Them Hear Foundation
1900 University Ave #101
East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tel: (650)462-3143
Fax: (650)462-3143
Tel: (877)735-2929
Email: info@letthemhear.org
Internet: http://www.letthemhear.org

DuchenneConnect
Emory University, Department of Human Genetics
2165 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033
Tel: (404)778-0553
Fax: (404)935-0636
Email: coordinator@duchenneconnect.org
Internet: http://www.duchenneconnect.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  4/25/2008
Copyright  1989, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.