Duchenne muscular dystrophy neuromuscular disease Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Duchenne-muscular-dystrophy Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: DMD, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, pseudo-hypertropic muscular dystrophy, pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy(Show More) Written by Hawken Miller Hawken Miller is a journalist whose work has appeared in The Washington Post, Dot ESports, and BioNews. He has also worked for the global nonpropfit CureDuchenne. Miller was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular... Hawken Miller Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Nov. 19, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), rare X-linked form of muscular dystrophy that affects about 1 in 3,500 to 5,000 male births and is characterized by progressive muscle weakness, with symptoms beginning in early childhood. A neuromuscular disorder, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by the absence of dystrophin, a critical muscle protein. The protein’s absence leads to weakened cell membranes in skeletal, heart, and diaphragm muscles and overall muscle degradation over time. Wheelchair use is often required...

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