That's a great question! OPMD primarily affects the muscles around the eyes and throat, but as it progresses, some people do experience broader muscle weakness that can resemble limb-girdle involvement.
With OPMD, muscle wasting can spread to areas like the:
- Shoulders and upper arms
- Upper legs
- Lower arms and legs (less Show Full Answer
That's a great question! OPMD primarily affects the muscles around the eyes and throat, but as it progresses, some people do experience broader muscle weakness that can resemble limb-girdle involvement.
With OPMD, muscle wasting can spread to areas like the:
- Shoulders and upper arms
- Upper legs
- Lower arms and legs (less common) This wider muscle weakness can affect mobility in ways similar to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, making everyday movements harder — things like climbing stairs, reaching overhead, or walking steadily.
Assistive devices like canes, walkers, or leg braces can help support movement if leg weakness becomes a concern.
It's really important to stay in close contact with your healthcare team so any changes in muscle strength can be monitored and managed early. The sooner changes are caught, the more options there are to help maintain independence and quality of life.
June 22
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