Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that makes the muscles get weaker over time. There's no known cure, but researchers are learning more about how to prevent and treat it. At Nemours, our team of neurologists and other specialists has the training and expertise to help children with muscular dystrophy maintain and even improve their muscle and joint function. Our goals are to manage your child’s muscular dystrophy symptoms as they grow, and help your child live as independently and actively as possible.

Learn More About Muscular Dystrophy

There are multiple types of muscular dystrophy. Some cause more problems than others, including trouble walking, sitting upright, breathing easily, and controlling arm and hand movements. Nemours’ experts in neuromuscular disorders (problems with the nerves and muscles) provide compassionate, family-friendly care for kids with all types of muscular dystrophy:

• Becker muscular dystrophy — begins during the teen years with muscle weakness in the pelvis, then moves into the shoulders and back
• congenital muscular dystrophy — muscle weakness that’s often diagnosed at or near birth
• distal muscular dystrophy — includes atrophy or reduced size and weakness in the muscles in the forearm and lower part of the legs
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy — the most common and severe form, when the muscles break down and a child becomes weaker, usually starting in the pelvic muscles around age 5
• Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy — atrophy in the shoulders, upper arms and calves, as well as stiff joints in the elbows, neck and heels
• facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy — symptoms first affect the muscles of the face, shoulders and back
• limb-girdle muscular dystrophy — mainly affects the pelvic, shoulder and back muscles
• myotonic dystrophy (also known as “Steinert's disease”) — the most common adult form of MD, although half are diagnosed in kids and teens, with muscles that keep contracting (tightening)
• ocular (or oculopharyngeal) muscular dystrophy — affects the muscles of the upper eyelids and the throat, most often noticed after age 40 (but can be found in kids too)

We also diagnose and treat kids with all kinds of neuromuscular disorders.

At Nemours we provide a complete range of diagnostic and treatment options for children with muscular dystrophy. Our highly specialized services vary depending on the location you visit and the doctors your child sees. You’ll get expert assessment and treatment led by a team of specialists in neurology and orthopedics.

Our services may also include: 

• pulmonology — to help with any breathing problems 
• genetics — to help figure out the genetic cause of conditions
• physical medicine and rehabilitation medicine — to help treat muscle function, and evaluate and treat spasticity (muscle stiffness or spasms)
• gastroenterology — to help with any digestive issues
• pain management — to help manage any pain
• physical therapy and occupational therapy — to help kids function and live as independently as possible 
• nutrition — to make sure kids get the nutrients they need
• psychology — to help kids cope
• speech and language therapy — to help with any speech problems
• orthotic services, including bracing — to help kids move
• assistive technology — to help kids get around and communicate

At Nemours, your child will get muscular dystrophy care that’s among the best in the country. We use the most advanced technologies, therapies and medications available to treat every child as we would our own. And our doctors and researchers are always looking for new ways to make life easier for kids with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders. 

Regional Muscular Dystrophy Highlights

Services, programs and care teams differ at each location. Call for details.

Sometimes the best support and peace of mind comes from families who’ve been there. Meet some of the inspiring kids we’ve been honored to treat.

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