Babies with congenital muscular dystrophy often have hypotonia (low muscle tone or floppiness) and may have reduced movements. Other common signs are contractures (tightness) of the ankles, hips, knees and elbows. Rarely, contractures can be severe and affect several joints (known as arthrogryposis). Contractures occur because the baby has not had the muscle strength to move around freely in the womb. Some babies with congenital muscular dystrophy may also have respiratory problems owing to weakness of breathing muscles.
In some children who do not have contractures, the first problems are noted only after a few months because of difficulties in holding the head up, or delays in learning how to sit unaided, to stand or walk.
There are many subtypes of CMD. We have specific factsheets on the following subtypes:
- Bethlem myopathy
- Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy
- SEPN1-related myopathy
- Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy
Order an alert card
The wallet-sized alert cards contain key recommendations and precautions that a non-specialist clinician should know during a health crisis.