Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Krishna Haskar Dhanyamraju , Neurologists

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare inherited muscle disorder that causes progressive weakness of the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms. Symptoms may begin in childhood or adulthood and can gradually affect mobility, posture, and daily activities. Early diagnosis, physical therapy, supportive care, and appropriate treatment help slow functional decline, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.

What are the Types of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy?

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy is classified based on the underlying genetic abnormality.

What are the Symptoms of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy?

Common symptoms include progressive muscle weakness of the face, shoulders, and upper arms, difficulty lifting arms, facial weakness, and shoulder blade winging.

Facial Muscle Weakness

One of the hallmark symptoms of FSHD is weakness in the facial muscles. Patients often have difficulty closing their eyes fully, which can lead to dry eyes and other complications. Smiling, whistling, or drinking through a straw can become challenging due to weakened facial muscles.

Scapular Muscle Weakness

Another prominent symptom is weakness in the scapular muscles, which are responsible for stabilizing the shoulder blades. This weakness can cause the shoulder blades to protrude abnormally, a condition known as scapular dysplasia winging. The inability to lift the arms above shoulder level is also common.

Upper Arm and Leg Muscle Weakness

FSHD also affects the muscles in the upper arms and legs, leading to difficulties in performing everyday activities such as lifting objects, walking, or climbing stairs. The weakness often starts asymmetrically, meaning one side of the body may be more affected than the other.

Respiratory and Hearing Issues

In some cases, FSHD can also affect respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties. Although less common, hearing loss has been reported in some patients, particularly those with early-onset forms of the disease.

Additional Symptoms

Other symptoms may include lower back pain due to weakened abdominal muscles, and foot drop, which makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. These symptoms can significantly impact the quality of life and daily functioning of those affected.

What are the Causes of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy?

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is caused by genetic changes affecting the DUX4 gene on chromosome 4, leading to progressive muscle weakness.

Genetic Mutations

FSHD is primarily caused by genetic mutations. The most common form, FSHD1, is associated with a contraction of the D4Z4 repeat on chromosome 4. Usually, this region contains 11-100 repeats, but in FSHD1 patients, it is reduced to 1-10 repeats. This contraction leads to the inappropriate expression of the DUX4 gene, which is toxic to muscle cells.

Inheritance Patterns

FSHD follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning that only one copy of the mutated gene, inherited from either parent, is sufficient to cause the disease. This makes it possible for FSHD to be passed down through generations, affecting both males and females equally.

Sporadic Cases

In some instances, FSHD can occur sporadically, meaning there is no family history of the disorder. These cases are often the result of new mutations in the D4Z4 region.

When to See a Doctor for Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy?

Progressive muscle weakness affecting the face, shoulders, or legs should be evaluated by a neurologist. Early diagnosis allows timely rehabilitation, genetic counseling, and supportive care to help maintain mobility and independence.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Get medical help immediately if:

These could be signs of a serious complication like Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, which needs urgent care.

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How is Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosed?

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and genetic testing to confirm the condition.

Clinical Examination

Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough clinical examination, focusing on the characteristic symptoms of muscle weakness in the face, shoulders, and upper arms. A detailed medical history and family history are also crucial components of the diagnostic process.

Genetic Testing

Confirming a diagnosis of FSHD usually requires genetic testing to identify the D4Z4 repeat contraction on chromosome 4. This test can distinguish between FSHD1 and FSHD2, a rarer form of the disease caused by mutations in the SMCHD1 gene.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) is another diagnostic tool used to assess muscle electrical activity. It can help differentiate FSHD from other neuromuscular disorders by revealing patterns of muscle activity consistent with FSHD.

Muscle Biopsy

In some cases, a muscle biopsy may be performed to examine the muscle tissue under a microscope. This can provide additional information to support the diagnosis, although it is not always necessary if genetic testing is conclusive.

What are the Treatment Options for Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy?

There is no cure for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), so treatment focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining muscle function, and improving quality of life.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing FSHD. Tailored exercise programs can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of joint contractures. A physical therapist can design a regimen that addresses the specific needs of each patient.

Orthopedic Interventions

Orthopedic interventions, such as braces or orthotic devices, can assist with mobility and support weakened muscles. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered to correct issues like scapular winging or foot drop.

Respiratory Support

For patients experiencing respiratory difficulties, non-invasive ventilation or other respiratory support measures may be necessary. Regular monitoring of respiratory function is essential to address any emerging issues promptly.

Pain Management

Managing pain is another critical aspect of FSHD treatment. This may involve medications, physical therapy techniques, or other interventions to alleviate discomfort and improve the quality of life.

Experimental Therapies

Research into FSHD is ongoing, and several experimental therapies are being explored. Gene therapy, for example, aims to correct the underlying genetic mutations, while other approaches focus on inhibiting the toxic effects of the DUX4 gene. Participation in clinical trials may provide access to these cutting-edge treatments.

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What is the Recovery Process After Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Treatment?

Recovery focuses on long-term management rather than cure, aiming to maintain function and slow progression.