Types of muscle disease

In this section you will find detailed information about specific neuromuscular conditions.

For a more general introduction to muscle disease, please see our About muscle disease section

The terms 'muscle disease', ‘muscular dystrophy', ‘neuromuscular conditions' and ‘neuromuscular disorders' all describe a large group of conditions which affect either the muscles, such as those in the arms and legs or heart and lungs, or the nerves which control the muscles.

There are lots of different types of muscle disease. Different conditions affect different muscles. The severity of conditions and how they affect individuals varies greatly from person to person. Most conditions are progressive, causing the muscles to gradually weaken over time. People's mobility is affected and most conditions lead to some sort of disability.

Muscle disease affects babies, children and adults, both males and females, and all ethnic groups. Conditions can be inherited or occur out of the blue where there is no family history.

For downloadable information about individual conditions, please choose from the list below.

Can't find the condition you're looking for? Call our freephone support line on 0800 652 6352