Which is a key characteristic of muscular dystrophy?

• A. Sudden onset with stable strength
• B. Progressive muscle weakness
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Painful joints with swelling

Answer: (B)

Muscular dystrophy is defined by a gradual, ongoing loss of skeletal muscle strength as muscle fibers progressively degenerate. Because of this, weakness worsens over time rather than appearing abruptly and staying the same. The most characteristic feature is progressive muscle weakness, typically starting in proximal muscles like the hips and shoulders. The other options don’t fit the pattern: a sudden onset with stable strength would indicate a non-progressive or acute issue; hyperglycemia points to metabolic problems such as diabetes; painful joints with swelling suggests arthritis or inflammatory joint disease rather than the primary muscle degeneration seen in MD.