Duchenne muscular dystrophy

**Definition:** Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked myopathy caused by mutation in the dystrophin gene with symptoms appearing before the age of 6 with a rapid disease progression. Symptoms may include fatigue, learning difficulties (the IQ can be below 75), Muscle weakness, problems with motor skills, frequent falls and progressive difficulty walking.

**Long definition:** Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked myopathy with symptoms appearing before the age of 6 with a rapid disease progression (differentiating it from other forms of muscular dystrophy). Duchenne muscular dystrophy occurs in about 1 out of every 3,600 male infants. Symptoms may include fatigue, learning difficulties (the IQ can be below 75), Muscle weakness, problems with motor skills, frequent falls and progressive difficulty walking.