US Medical Term · conditions
Muscular Dystrophy
Distrofia Muscular
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Muscular Dystrophy |
| Spanish (Español) | Distrofia Muscular |
| Chinese (中文) | 肌肉萎縮症 |
| Korean (한국어) | 근이영양증 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Loạn dưỡng cơ |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Muscular Dystrophy |
| Portuguese (Português) | Distrofia Muscular |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคกล้ามเนื้อเสื่อม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 筋ジストロフィー |
What it means
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of inherited genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles used for movement. The most common and severe form is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, affecting mostly males from early childhood. Symptoms typically begin with difficulty walking, frequent falls, and trouble rising from the floor, and progress to wheelchair use. Heart and breathing muscles can also be affected. There is no cure, but therapies including corticosteroids, gene therapy advances, physical therapy, and respiratory support help slow progression and improve quality of life.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My son has muscular dystrophy and is losing his ability to walk.
Mi hijo tiene distrofia muscular y está perdiendo la capacidad de caminar.
I have muscular dystrophy and use a wheelchair because my leg muscles are too weak.
Tengo distrofia muscular y uso silla de ruedas porque mis músculos de las piernas son demasiado débiles.
What specialist should we see to manage the heart complications of muscular dystrophy?
¿Qué especialista debemos ver para manejar las complicaciones cardíacas de la distrofia muscular?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G71 Primary disorders of musclesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026