User:Mr. Ibrahem/Becker muscular dystrophy

Becker's muscular dystrophy
Other names	Benign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy
X-linked recessive is the manner in which this condition is inherited
Specialty	Pediatrics, medical genetics
Symptoms	Muscle weakness, muscle wasting
Complications	Cardiomyopathy
Usual onset	5 to 15
Causes	Genetic mutation
Diagnostic method	Suspected based on symptoms, confirmed by lab tests, muscle biopsy, or genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	Duchenne muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, spinal muscular atrophy, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
Treatment	Physical therapy
Prognosis	Life expectancy 40s
Frequency	3 per 100,000 US males

Becker muscular dystrophy is genetic disorder characterized by slowly progressing muscle weakness and muscle wasting. This generally begins in the legs and pelvis, resulting in trouble walking and falling. The condition generally becomes noticeable between the ages of 5 and 15. Complications may include cardiomyopathy, which is the most common reason for death.

It is caused by a mutation in the gene which encodes the protein dystrophin. It is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. It is a type of dystrophinopathy. The diagnosis may be suspected based on symptoms and confirmed by lab tests, muscle biopsy, or genetic testing. It is less severe than Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which also results from a mutation in the dystrophin gene.

There is no cure, though physical therapy may improve symptoms. Corticosteroids may be used in certain cases. Becker muscular dystrophy affects about 3 per 100,000 males in the United States. Rates in other countries vary from 0.1 to 7 per 100,000 males. Life expectancy can be in to the 40s.