Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD): Face, Shoulder and Arm Weakness
Written by the Muscular Dystrophy Pakistan (MDP) content team. Based on information from the Muscular Dystrophy Association, published research and MDA Quest (see sources below). Last updated: October 11, 2026. "I cannot whistle or blow up a balloon." "My smile looks uneven." "I cannot lift my arms above my head." "My shoulder blade sticks out." These are the early signs that many people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) describe. FSHD is one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, yet it is often missed for years, because it begins with the face and shoulders and tends to affect one side more than the other. This guide explains FSHD in simple words: what it is, what causes it, how it is inherited, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how it is managed, with a focus on families in Pakistan. Quick facts FSHD mainly weakens the muscles of the face , the shoulder blades and the upper arms , and later sometimes th...