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What is the Difference Between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Muscular Dystrophy (MD)?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 73,832
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There are many differences between multiple sclerosis (MS) and muscular dystrophy (MD). MS is believed to be an autoimmune disease that affects the nervous system, while MD is a group of related conditions that affect the muscles. People often confuse the two because their initials are so close, and the diseases may have similar symptoms in some cases.

Causes

In multiple sclerosis, the body's immune system appears to attack the outer layer of the nerves, particularly in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve, eventually breaking this layer (called myelin) down. This means that signals sent along those nerves are slowed down or cannot travel at all. No one is sure why this happens, so researchers don't know the exact causes of the disease. It is thought that genetics likely plays a part, but other factors — like a virus or environmental conditions — may be involved.

Muscular dystrophy, on the other hand, is genetic. In most cases, a gene that controls the production of certain types of proteins doesn't work correctly, causing muscle fibers to break down. There are many different types of MD, including a number of other closely related conditions, so the exact causes vary with the type of MD. Duchenne MD is believed to be one of the most common forms. It's caused by a defective gene on the X chromosome and prevents the body from producing a protein called dystrophin, which is needed for the cell membranes of muscle fibers.

Who Is Affected?

MS is more common in women than men, which is also true of other autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 50, although it can affect younger people as well. How genetics plays a role in MS isn't clear, but people who have family members with the disease are much more likely to develop it as well. It affects people of nearly all races, although people of northern European ancestry seem more susceptible, as are people who live farther from the equator in general.

The most common types of muscular dystrophy affect boys, often those who are very young. The symptoms of Duchenne MD often start before the age of 5, and it's usually well advanced by the time a boy is 12. A similar condition, Becker muscular dystrophy, often develops when a child is older, often around age 10 or even later. The symptoms of Emery-Dreifuss MD are usually present by the age of 10, and heart problems often develop by 20.

Other types of muscular dystrophy, including limb-girdle, myotonic, fascioscapulohumeral (FSHD), and congenital MD, can affect both men and women. There are congenital forms of MD that are present at the time of birth, whereas other types often develop when a person is in his or her teens or 20s. Oculopharyngeal MD usually does not appear until later in life, often after a person is in his or her 50s.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy can be similar, which is one reason why they may be confused. Muscle weakness is common in both conditions, and problems walking and running can be seen in MS and some types of MD. People with MS are more likely to develop additional symptoms, like dizziness, vision problems, tingling or numbness, and feelings of electric shocks. Different forms of MD affect different parts of the body, so muscle weakness may be seen mostly in one area: the face with myotonic MD, for example, or the shoulders with FSHD.

MD tends to be very difficult on the body as the muscle fibers break down. Most forms will ultimately cause death as the muscles become weak and atrophied. People with some of the most common forms often are unable to walk as the disease progresses, and may develop problems with their joints and spinal cord.

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, which can then result in movement difficulties. In this condition, the muscles may become harder to move without pain, and can atrophy because they're not being used. Muscle spasms and coordination problems can also occur. Symptoms often can be triggered or worsened by exposure to heat.

Those with MS usually don't have constant symptoms, although an attack can last for months in some cases. These attacks can temporarily impair movement, cause vision problems, and give the sufferer great pain. Symptoms often go away, especially in the early stages of the disease, and a person with the condition may go through long periods with no problems at all. As the disease worsens, however, attacks may become more frequent, and the person less likely to recover from them.

Diagnosis

A medical professional typically diagnoses MS based on MRI scans of the brain and spinal cord, nerve function tests, and a lumbar puncture. He or she will also typically examine the eyes for irregular responses of the pupils and other vision problems. A neurological exam to test movement in the arms and legs, reflexes, and changes in sensation in any part of the body may also be conducted.

Tests for MD include muscle function tests and a muscle biopsy in some cases. Some types often have clear physical symptoms. Blood tests are often performed to find the levels of certain enzymes, including creatine kinase. DNA tests may be used to look for specific genetic mutations found in some forms of the disease.

Treatments

Currently, there is no known cure for either multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy. For both conditions, treatment is often focused on managing the symptoms and helping the patient maintain a good quality of life while living with the condition.

Some medications, including fingolimod and interferons, may help reduce the number of MS attacks and slow progression of the disease in some patients. Corticosteroids are often used to relieve the inflammation associated with attacks, and muscle relaxants may help with the pain and stiffness. Physical therapy is often recommended to help the patient maintain muscle tone.

People with MD may also experience benefits from physical therapy, which often helps the person keep more muscle function. As with MS, corticosteroids are often prescribed, and may help maintain muscle strength. Once the disease progresses, wheelchairs and braces may be needed so that the patient can stay mobile. People with spinal problems related to MD may need surgery to make breathing easier. A pacemaker may also be required if the heart is affected by the disease.

Prognosis

Mild forms of multiple sclerosis do not necessarily affect life expectancy. Many people live 20 years or more with the disease, and those who develop it at a younger age often have the best outlook. People with more severe forms, with longer attacks and less time in remission, may not live as long. In rare cases, aggressive MS result in death in a very short amount of time.

The prognosis for someone with muscular dystrophy depends very much on which type the person has and how severe it is. Duchenne MD is typically fatal at a young age, and most people who have it do not live past their mid 20s. People with FSHD or myotonic MD, on the other hand, often live a normal life span.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments
By Imurphy — On Apr 26, 2015

Could anyone tell me whether there may be a link between my daughter with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy and my sister with multiple sclerosis?

By anon303004 — On Nov 12, 2012

I am a 40 year old female. My dad and his brother both have MD. could I develop it later in life? I'm having no problems right now. My dad's and uncle's arms are in bad shape. They can hardly use them for anything anymore, the muscles have deteriorated so much.

By Whatever4242 — On Nov 09, 2012

Patients with muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and many other genetic diseases may benefit some day from gene therapy.

Regenerative medicine has shown some efficacy in treating muscular dystrophy, and for those with EDS it may be able to help as well repair and replace tissue and organs that are not viable or healing efficiently.

Racheal Phillps, a former royal ballet dancer will be receiving a regenerative medicine treatment to receive a new trachea (wind pipe) due to suffering breathing problems associated with EDS. She must travel abroad because the treatment isn't allowed here in the U.S. If she cannot receive the treatment she will from the severe obstruction of airflow.

She was cleared to have the surgery by Paolo Macchiarini when he came to visit the United States. she desperately needs the funds to get the surgery so her family has been trying to raise money for her to travel and have the surgery done.

By Whatever4242 — On Nov 09, 2012

A study showed that Multiple Sclerosis patients have a 10 to 11 times greater likelihood Of having a connective tissue disease called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome than the general population.

Not all, but many diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome go on to develop MS later on in life. Dr. Diana Driscoll has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and started to develop MS symptoms. Dr. Diana had one brain lesion, and had her veins screened for CCSVI, and the results were more than obviously positive. She is currently doing trials with people who have a diagnosis of one or both diseases. She is showing how EDS may play a role with other diseases as well.

By anon108036 — On Sep 01, 2010

I feel that if you have m.d or m.s and your family doesn't support you then your family has a serious problem. you only have one mom and one dad and you should enjoy them as long as possible.

God is the great creator and healer of all things, so when you are down just look up and God is there for you. I wish you the best of luck in life and keep your head up high. --R.D., Upson County.

By gbartlett — On Jun 16, 2010

In 1978 I was told at the Mayo Clinic I had Charcot-Marie-Tooth (MD ). They also did a genetic test and told me I could get MS at any time.

Two years later MS struck me like a mack truck. I have secondary progressive MS. My doctor here in Lexington, Ky. told me the chances of getting both were one in 400,000,000. Lucky me.

My lungs are at 30 percent. I also have heart problems and diabetes. My doctor told us I had 7-0 years to live.

Well I've beat his odds at least. I've gone from 148 pounds to 122 pounds in the past few months. I know God is still in the healing business. I take 29 pills a day and half that many at night, plus my shots for my MS. My family won't support me and I feel so alone and feel like I'm dying.

By anon86118 — On May 23, 2010

In many cases MD is not as bad as you are suggesting it to be, even when it is diagnosed during childhood.

My mum was diagnosed with MD when she was four years old and now she's 47. She can't walk around as well and uses a mobility scooter for long distances, but she can still walk and do everything else.

Plus, I have Muscular Dystrophy too. I was diagnosed when I was three and now I'm 17, and most people don't even know I have a disability. I just can't run, jump, walk really long distances or get off the ground by myself (if I've been sitting on the ground).

The author of this article is only giving the most severe details, for MD such as Duchenne, but there are so many different types. (We have Limb Girdle MD). Most of the people I've met with MD are in wheelchairs, but they carry on, they work, they're married and they have kids. They're happy.

By anon72821 — On Mar 24, 2010

Is it possible for the patient to have both symptoms or both diagnoses?

By anon33757 — On Jun 11, 2009

Is there a genetic link between a sister with multiple sclerosis and bother with muscular dystrophy?

By anon715 — On May 02, 2007

What is the difference between multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
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