Muscular Dystrophy is the name given to a group of more than 70 different neuromuscular disorders causing progressive wasting and weakness of the muscles. Each type presents differently and with its own levels of complexity. They are characterised primarily by progressive muscle weakness, leading to secondary effects such as fatigue, increasingly limited physical activity, impaired balance and often collapsing. The prognosis varies according to the type of dystrophy and the speed of progression. Some types are mild and progress very slowly, allowing normal life expectancy, while others are more severe and result in functional disability and loss of the ability to walk.  These disorders affect children and adults of every race. The disorders are usually inherited, with the defective gene being passed on from one generation to the next. However, Muscular Dystrophy can also occur in families where there is no prior history of the condition. To date there is no cure available for muscular dystrophy.