Benign pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy; Becker's dystrophy
There is no known cure for Becker's muscular dystrophy. Treatment tries to control symptoms to maximize quality of life. Some doctors prescribe steroids to help keep a patient walking for as long as possible.
Activity is encouraged. Inactivity (such as bed rest) can worsen the muscle disease. Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs may improve mobility and self-care.
Genetic counseling may be advisable. Sons of a man with Becker's muscular dystrophy do not develop the disorder, but daughters may be carriers. The daughters' sons may develop the disorder.
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See muscular dystrophy - support group.
Becker's muscular dystrophy leads to slowly worsening disability. Death may occur in the 50s or 60s, but patients can live longer than that.
Call your health care provider if:
Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Muscular dystrophies. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 608.