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Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD)
Definition - One of nine types of muscular
dystrophy, a group of genetic, degenerative diseases primarily affecting
voluntary muscles.
Cause - Genetic mutations affecting some of the proteins necessary for
muscles and sometimes for the eyes and or brain.
Onset - At or near birth.
Symptoms - Generalized muscle weakness with possible joint stiffness or
looseness. Depending on the type, CMD may involve spinal curvature, respiratory
insufficiency, mental retardation or learning disabilities, eye defects or
seizures.
Progression - Varies with type; many are slowly progressive; some shorten
life span.
Inheritance - Autosomal recessive; the disease is inherited through both
parents.
