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- Muscular Dystrophy
- SYMPTOMS. The weakness of the muscles cause frequent falls, a waddling gait,
- toe-walking, difficulty in standing and climbing stairs. The calves of the
- legs increase in size. DUCHENNE, the most common type, typically affects
- boys of ages 3 to 7 years. Most victims are confined to wheelchairs by the
- age of 10 or 12. Beginning in adolescence, FACIOSCAPULOHUMERAL, the less
- common type, predominantly affect the face and shoulder girdle. Arms cannot
- be lifted above the head and the face becomes expressionless.
- CAUSES are unknown at this time. It is hereditary and progressive. Life
- expectancy is normal for the facioscapulohumeral type.
- TREATMENT. There is no specific treatment. If severe, exercise may help.
- .Your doctor may recommend corrective surgery in some cases.