Becker vs. Duchenne

Attribute	Becker	Duchenne
Discoverer	Carl Becker	G.B. Duchenne
Definition	Voluntary and Involuntary Smiles	Genuine and Fake Smiles
Muscles Involved	Zygomatic Major and Orbicularis Oculi	Orbicularis Oculi and Zygomatic Major
Emotional Expression	Reflects inner emotions	Reflects social cues

Introduction

Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy are both genetic disorders that affect the muscles, causing progressive weakness and degeneration. While they are both forms of muscular dystrophy, they have distinct differences in terms of symptoms, severity, and genetic causes. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of individuals affected by these conditions.

Cause

Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which is located on the X chromosome. This gene provides instructions for making a protein called dystrophin, which is essential for maintaining the structure and function of muscle cells. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is also caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, but these mutations are typically more severe and result in a complete absence of functional dystrophin protein. This difference in the severity of mutations is what distinguishes Becker from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Becker muscular dystrophy typically appear later in childhood or adolescence compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy may experience muscle weakness, especially in the legs and pelvis, which can lead to difficulty walking and running. In contrast, Duchenne muscular dystrophy usually presents in early childhood, with symptoms such as frequent falls, difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position, and progressive muscle weakness that affects the arms, legs, and trunk.

Progression

Becker muscular dystrophy generally progresses more slowly than Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy may maintain the ability to walk into adulthood, although they may eventually require mobility aids such as braces or wheelchairs. In contrast, Duchenne muscular dystrophy progresses rapidly, with most individuals losing the ability to walk by their early teens and requiring full-time use of a wheelchair by their late teens or early twenties.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy involves a combination of physical examination, genetic testing, and muscle biopsy. In Becker muscular dystrophy, genetic testing may reveal mutations in the dystrophin gene that are less severe than those found in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle biopsy may also show less extensive muscle degeneration in individuals with Becker muscular dystrophy compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for either Becker or Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Physical therapy, orthopedic interventions, and assistive devices such as braces and wheelchairs can help individuals with both conditions maintain mobility and independence for as long as possible. Research into gene therapy and other potential treatments is ongoing, with the hope of finding a cure in the future.

Conclusion

Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy are both serious genetic disorders that affect the muscles, but they have distinct differences in terms of symptoms, progression, and severity. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While there is currently no cure for either condition, ongoing research offers hope for improved treatments and ultimately a cure for individuals affected by Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.