How is Becker muscular dystrophy diagnosed?
You may have one or more of the following tests: • Biopsy: Caregivers remove a small piece of tissue from the muscle that is sent to the lab for tests. • 12-lead ECG: This test, also called an EKG, helps caregivers look for damage or problems in different areas of the heart. Caregivers may need to prepare your skin by shaving off some hair, or cleaning it with a gritty lotion. Sticky pads are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Each sticky pad has a wire that is hooked to a machine or TV-type screen. A short period of electrical activity in your heart muscle is recorded. Caregivers will look closely for certain problems or changes in how your heart is working. This test takes about 5 to 10 minutes. It is important that you lie as still as possible during the test. You may need this test more than once. • Electromyography (EMG): Electromyography is a test that measures the electrical activity of your muscles. Your muscles are tested at rest and while you are using them. An EMG test ma
