Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Also known as: CMD

What is congenital muscular dystrophy?

Congenital muscular dystrophy refers to a group of muscular dystrophies that are present at birth or shortly afterward. They involve muscle weakness, joint stiffness and other symptoms that impact a child’s ability to move, breathe and even learn.    

What causes congenital muscular dystrophy?

Congenital muscular dystrophy is caused by genetic mutations. These can be passed down from parents to their children in some instances.

What are the symptoms of congenital muscular dystrophy?

Congenital muscular dystrophy can impact the body in many way. This can include joint stiffness or looseness, muscle weakness, a curved spine, trouble breathing, intellectual disabilities, seizure, eye problems and many other symptoms.

How can congenital muscular dystrophy affect children?

The symptoms of a congenital muscular dystrophy may be present at birth or shortly afterward.

What are congenital muscular dystrophy treatments?

Physical therapy, stretching, assistive devices and other forms of therapy can help people live with the symptoms of congenital muscular dystrophy.


Reviewed by: Migvis Monduy, MD

This page was last updated on: September 24, 2019 10:58 AM