Kennedy Disease

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Kennedy Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

X-linked Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy
KD
SBMA
Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Kennedy Disease is a rare, slowly progressive muscular disorder that affects males only and is inherited as an X-linked genetic trait. Uncontrollable twitching (fasciculations) followed by weakness and wasting of the muscles becomes apparent sometime after the age of fifteen. The muscles of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, throat, vocal chords, trunk and limbs may be affected. Very large calves may also be found in some patients with this disorder. Kennedy disease is caused by a mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Androgen insensitivity leads to abnormal swelling of the breasts (gynecomastia), small testes and infertility.

Resources

National Ataxia Foundation
2600 Fernbrook Lane
Suite 119
Minneapolis, MN 55447-4752
USA
Tel: 7635530020
Fax: 7635530167
Email: naf@ataxia.org
Internet: http://www.ataxia.org

Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
P.O. Box 196
Libertyville, IL 60048
Tel: (847)367-7620
Fax: (847)367-7623
Tel: (800)886-1762
Email: sma@fsma.org
Internet: http://www.curesma.com

Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 E. Sunrise Dr
Tucson, AZ 85718
USA
Tel: 5205292000
Fax: 5205295300
Tel: 8003444863
Email: mda@mdausa.org
Internet: http://www.mdausa.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
31 Center Drive
8A07
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540
Tel: (301)496-5751
Fax: (301)402-2186
Tel: (800)352-9424
Email: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Kennedy's Disease Association
PO Box 1105
Coarsegold, CA 93614-1105
Tel: (559)658-5950
Email: info@kennedysdisease.org
Internet: http://www.kennedysdisease.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org
Last Updated: 8/22/2003
Copyright 1994, 1996, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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