UNDERSTANDING DUCHENNE
Signs and symptoms of Duchenne
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic condition. It mainly affects boys and causes muscles to weaken over time. Knowing the early signs can help families get support and treatment sooner.
Quick links for families
Early signs in young children
Walking later than expected
Trouble running or climbing stairs
Frequent falls
Walking on tiptoes
Large calves that feel firm
Using hands to push on thighs when standing up (called Gower’s sign)
Other common symptoms
Muscle weakness that starts in the legs and hips
Weakness spreading to arms, neck, and other areas
Difficulty lifting objects
Muscle pain or cramps
Tight joints (contractures)
Learning and behaviour
Speech delay
Learning difficulties
Children with Duchenne are at higher risk of having neuro-developmental conditions such as dyslexia, autism spectrum condition and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as some mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression
Progression over time
Loss of ability to walk, usually by early teens
Increased risk of scoliosis (curved spine)
Breathing problems as muscles weaken
Heart problems (cardiomyopathy)
Duchenne Care UK
Find out what we're doing to raise standards of care, and access our library of care guidelines for Duchenne.
