Duchenne education library

What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness due to absent or severely reduced functional dystrophin. It commonly affects boys, although girls and women with DMD gene variants can have muscle or heart symptoms.

Updated October 22, 2026 · Not clinically reviewed

Understanding this topic

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness due to absent or severely reduced functional dystrophin. It commonly affects boys, although girls and women with DMD gene variants can have muscle or heart symptoms.

What families should know

DMD is usually inherited in an X-linked pattern, but a genetic variant may also arise without a known family history.

Medical notice: This information is educational and is not individualized medical advice. Consult a neuromuscular specialist.

Explore related topics

Further reading

See trusted organizations and our editorial standards.