Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

Muscle disease characterized by slowly progressive weakness of the muscles of the face, upper-arm, and shoulder.

Part of: Muscular Dystrophy

About Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy

Facioscapulohumeral MD (FSHD) initially affects muscles of the face (facio), shoulders (scapulo), and upper arms (humera) with progressive weakness. Also known as Landouzy-Dejerine disease, this third most common form of MD is an autosomal dominant disorder. Most individuals have a normal life span, but some individuals become severely disabled. Disease progression is typically very slow, with intermittent spurts of rapid muscle deterioration. Onset is usually in the teenage years but may occur as early as childhood or as late as age 40. NIH – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke