Which muscular dystrophy type typically starts later and has a lesser severity compared to Duchenne?

Which muscular dystrophy type typically starts later and has a lesser severity compared to Duchenne?

• A. Duchenne
• B. Myotonic
• C. Becker
• D. Emery-Dreifuss

Answer: (C)

Becker muscular dystrophy is characterized by a later onset and generally milder symptoms than Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This form of muscular dystrophy results from a mutation in the dystrophin gene, similar to Duchenne, but the protein produced, although abnormal, retains some functionality. As a result, individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy may not experience the severe weakness and rapid progression seen in Duchenne, allowing for a longer timeline before significant muscle weakness sets in. Additionally, children with Becker muscular dystrophy may maintain the ability to walk into their teenage years or even adulthood, reflecting less severity overall. This delayed onset and milder course of muscular decline is why Becker muscular dystrophy is distinctively positioned as less severe compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The prognosis tends to vary significantly, with many individuals leading relatively active lives longer than those affected by Duchenne.

Becker muscular dystrophy is characterized by a later onset and generally milder symptoms than Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This form of muscular dystrophy results from a mutation in the dystrophin gene, similar to Duchenne, but the protein produced, although abnormal, retains some functionality. As a result, individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy may not experience the severe weakness and rapid progression seen in Duchenne, allowing for a longer timeline before significant muscle weakness sets in.

Additionally, children with Becker muscular dystrophy may maintain the ability to walk into their teenage years or even adulthood, reflecting less severity overall. This delayed onset and milder course of muscular decline is why Becker muscular dystrophy is distinctively positioned as less severe compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The prognosis tends to vary significantly, with many individuals leading relatively active lives longer than those affected by Duchenne.