Which sign is an early indicator of Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

• A. Gower's sign
• B. Tinel's sign
• C. Babinski sign
• D. Romberg sign

Answer: (A)

Early proximal muscle weakness is the key idea here. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the hip and thigh muscles weaken first, so a child has trouble standing up from the floor. The common way this presents is Gower’s sign: the child starts to rise by placing the hands on the thighs and pushing up, using the arms to compensate for weak proximal muscles.

This sign is a classic early clue for Duchenne because it directly reflects the pattern of weakness (proximal more than distal) that the disease causes. As the condition progresses, other features like calf pseudohypertrophy and broader motor delays may appear, but the ability to rise from the floor using the hands on the thighs is one of the earliest demonstrations.

Tinel’s sign is a test for nerve irritation (like carpal tunnel) and isn’t related to Duchenne. Babinski sign indicates an upper motor neuron problem or certain developmental issues, not typical for Duchenne. Romberg sign tests balance/position sense and vestibular function, which aren’t the first concerns in Duchenne and don’t indicate the disease.