Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe progressive muscular dystrophy to affect children.
Featured Treatments
Autonomic Function Testing
Autonomic function testing measures your sweat, blood pressure and heart rate response to different tasks.
Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory
The EMG laboratory is a state-of-art facility specializing in diagnosis of muscle and nerve disorders.
Muscle Biopsy
In this test, the doctor inserts a needle into one of your muscles and takes out a small portion of your muscle for analysis under a microscope.
Myopathy Program
The myopathy program at Mass General treats a number of different muscle disorders, both inherited and acquired.
Nerve Ultrasound
The Neuromuscular Diagnostic Clinic can use sound waves to get a fast, painless image of your nerves and muscles.
Neuromuscular Division
The Massachusetts General Hospital Neuromuscular Division offers integrated, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases.
What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by progressive muscle weakness, and a noticeable loss of muscle tissue.
What are the risk factors for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Inherited or spontaneously mutated genes.
What causes Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder, meaning that it affects boys and is inherited from the mother. Two-thirds of cases have a positive family history, whereas one third have no family history and are due to spontaneous mutations.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a loss-of-function DNA mutation leading to defects in normal dystrophin protein that is essential to muscle stability and growth.
What are the symptoms for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Symptoms include progressive muscle weakness.
How is Duchenne muscular dystrophy diagnosed?
- Clinical examination for signs of muscle weakness and coordination problems
- Muscle biopsy to examine the structure of the muscle
- Electromyography test to test muscle and/or nerve function
- Blood DNA testing for a definitive diagnosis
News & Publications
Mass General News
Read the latest news from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Advances in Motion
Our publication keeps health care professionals up to date on the latest research and clinical advances from Mass General.
Research Institute Blog
News and notes from the largest hospital-based research program in the United States
Charged
A podcast devoted to uncovering the stories of Mass General's relentless pursuit to break boundaries and provide exceptional care
Patient Gateway
The Patient Gateway provides secure online access to your health information whenever you need it. Check upcoming appointments, communicate with your doctor’s office, review medications and pay medical bills—all seamlessly online 24/7.