Signs and Symptoms

Hand with wrist contracture
CMD can cause contractures in the wrists, ankles and other joints.

Overview

What is congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD)?

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) refers to a group of muscular dystrophies that show themselves at or near birth. Muscular dystrophies in general are genetic, degenerative diseases primarily affecting voluntary muscles.

Description: 

MDA leads the search for treatments and therapies for congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). The Association also provides comprehensive supports and expert clinical care for those living with CMD.

In this section, you’ll find up-to-date information about congenital muscular dystrophy, as well as many helpful resources. This information has been compiled with input from researchers, physicians and people affected by the disease.

Muscle Disease Quality-of-Life Study Seeks Participants

Researchers at the University of Michigan are seeking 30 young adults, ages 18-29, who have had symptoms of certain forms of muscular dystrophy or myopathy since birth, to complete an online survey that asks about their perceived quality of life and level of independence.

The study also is recruiting 30 adults with no neuromuscular disease.

Results will be used to identify ways that counselors and therapists can address specific factors considered important by people with congenital muscle diseases (present at or near birth).

‘CMD Standard of Care’ Guidelines Issued

Editor's note: This article was updated on Jan. 6, 2011, to include a direct, free link to the Journal of Child Neurology article about the CMD guidelines.

A panel of 82 international experts — including several MDA grantees and clinic directors — has produced the first-ever care guidelines for the congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD), a group of genetic neuromuscular disorders that have their onset at birth or in early infancy.

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