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Muscular Dystrophy and neuromuscular disorders
Background
The muscular dystrophies are a group of disorders, caused by a genetic abnormality, that cause progressive weakness. Although genetic in origin, there are various reasons why an affected individual might have no family history of a similar condition. Some are severe and limit life expectancy, others relatively mild.
They belong to a broader group of conditions called neuromuscular disorders. These are defined as conditions affecting the nerves which pass from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, for example spinal muscular atrophy and the peripheral neuropathies, the muscles themselves, and the complex junction between each nerve and muscle (myasthenic conditions). Most neuromuscular disorders cause weakness and it can be very difficult for even a specialist to identify the precise cause of the problem. Many, but not all, neuromuscular disorders are inherited. Accurate diagnosis is essential in order to offer the appropriate management and genetic advice.
Muscular dystrophies and neuromuscular disorders 
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