Emery- Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
People with Emery- Dreifuss muscular dystrophy develop symptoms in their childhood or adolescence. This type affects males, but in rare cases, females can also get affected. People with this condition can develop muscle contractions in their early stages. The muscles of the body become tightened, and movement near joints becomes very limited. The muscles of arms, neck, and feet are affected in this type, and people can have difficulty in straightening their elbows and bending their neck. The muscle becomes weaker with time, and it becomes difficult for the person to lift best or raise the arm above the head. The tendency to trip over things can also increase. A first, the muscle of the upper body part, including shoulder and arms, becomes weaker, and later on, the hips and thigh muscles also become weaker, making it very difficult for the person to walk up the stairs. The person can lose his ability to walk and may require a wheelchair. This type also affects the electrical signal of heat, causing heart block. Due to the increased risk of heart and respiratory issues, the person will have a shortened life expectancy. The disease, however, progresses slowly and causes less severe muscle wasting than its other types.