Duchenne muscular dystrophy typically presents in which life stage?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy typically presents in which life stage?

• A. Infancy
• B. Childhood
• C. Adulthood
• D. Old age

Answer: (B)

Duchenne muscular dystrophy begins with progressive weakness that shows up during early childhood due to lack of dystrophin. The typical onset is in the preschool to early school-age years, around ages 2 to 5, with signs like frequent falling, difficulty running or climbing stairs, and a Gowers maneuver when standing up from the floor. Infants may have subtle hypotonia, but the noticeable motor decline defining this condition emerges in early childhood. This timing distinguishes it from conditions that present later in life, such as Becker muscular dystrophy, which has a later onset.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy begins with progressive weakness that shows up during early childhood due to lack of dystrophin. The typical onset is in the preschool to early school-age years, around ages 2 to 5, with signs like frequent falling, difficulty running or climbing stairs, and a Gowers maneuver when standing up from the floor. Infants may have subtle hypotonia, but the noticeable motor decline defining this condition emerges in early childhood. This timing distinguishes it from conditions that present later in life, such as Becker muscular dystrophy, which has a later onset.