Is LGMD a rare disease?

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a group of rare progressive genetic disorders that are characterized by wasting (atrophy) and weakness of the voluntary muscles of the hip and shoulder areas (limb-girdle area). Muscle weakness and atrophy are progressive and may spread to affect other muscles of the body.

What causes LGMD?

LGMD is caused by mutations of genes that result in abnormal function of proteins in muscles, thereby causing progressive muscle weakness. The inheritance pattern of LGMD varies and different genetic defects may result in the same clinical symptoms in different patients.

Is there a cure for LGMD?

The management of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is supportive; no disease-modifying treatments are available.

Is LGMD a disability?

LGMD is progressive, meaning that persons affected with this disability have muscles which continue to become weaker throughout their lives. Due to the wide range in severity of the various LGMD’s, the rate of progression among them varies.

Is LGMD fatal?

In terms of the prognosis of limb–girdle muscular dystrophy in its mildest form, affected individuals have near-normal muscle strength and function. LGMD isn’t typically a fatal disease, though it may eventually weaken the heart and respiratory muscles, leading to illness or death due to secondary disorders.

Is myotonic dystrophy a disability?

If you have myotonic dystrophy (DM) and are unable to work due to a DM-related disability and/or other conditions, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits available through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Does myotonic dystrophy get worse?

Myotonic dystrophy is an inherited type of muscular dystrophy that affects the muscles and other body systems. People who have myotonic dystrophy have muscle wasting and weakness in their lower legs, hands, neck and face that get worse over time.

Is muscular dystrophy considered a disability?

When muscular dystrophy takes away your ability to maintain gainful employment, it qualifies as a disability – and the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes certain symptoms of the disease as a cause for benefits.