Muscular Dystrophy

Electromyography can help show whether muscle weakness has a myopathic pattern rather than one caused primarily by nerve disease. Nerve-conduction studies may provide additional information when peripheral neuropathy or another neurological disorder is being considered. These findings are interpreted alongside genetic testing, laboratory results, physical examinations, and the clinical course rather than used alone to determine the muscular dystrophy subtype.

Depending on the muscular dystrophy subtype, relevant records may include ECGs, echocardiograms, cardiac MRI, pulmonary-function tests, sleep studies, ventilation records, and specialist assessments. These tests can document cardiomyopathy, rhythm abnormalities, respiratory muscle weakness, impaired ventilation, or reduced cough effectiveness. The type and frequency of monitoring depend on the specific muscular dystrophy and the patient’s clinical course.

Physical and occupational therapy records, serial strength and functional assessments, gait evaluations, fall history, braces, wheelchairs, transfer assistance, and documentation of daily activities may show how physical function changed over time. Comparing these records across the disease course can help identify when additional assistance or mobility equipment became necessary and how the person’s functional needs progressed.