Kennedy Disease

Content provided by National Organization for Rare Disorders

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:  5/5/2008

Copyright  1994, 1996, 2003 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Last updated:	May 05, 2008