Muscular Dystrophy

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of inherited diseases of the muscles. These diseases cause muscle weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue.

The most common types of muscular dystrophies are:

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)
Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSH)

UR Medicine's Treatments for Muscular Dystrophy

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

Patient Stories

No Longer a Death Sentence - Battling Duchenne MD

Justin DeCross was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. No longer a death sentence, UR Medicine providers are now thinking of this more like a chronic disease where they can make an impact on the quality of their patients' lives. Hear about Justin's story.

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.

The UR Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Clinic provides patients with care in order to improve the quality of life of children, adolescents and adults affected by the condition. We provide a team of experts in all specialties needed to best care for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a friendly and supportive atmosphere, and coordinated care that is highly accessible for families.