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MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophy, abnormal genes (mutations) interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle. There are many kinds of muscular dystrophy. Symptoms of the most common variety begin in childhood, mostly in boys. Other types don't surface until adulthood.

Sign & symptoms

The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne type muscular dystrophy - This is the most common form. Although girls can be carriers and mildly affected, it's much more common in boys

Signs and symptoms, which typically appear in early childhood, might include:

Frequent falls
Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position
Trouble running and jumping
Waddling gait

Walking on the toes
Large calf muscles
Muscle pain and stiffness
Learning disabilities
Delayed growth

Becker muscular dystrophy - Signs and symptoms are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but tend to be milder and progress more slowly. Symptoms generally begin in the teens but might not occur until the mid-20s or later

Other types of muscular dystrophy - Some types of muscular dystrophy are defined by a specific feature or by where in the body symptoms begin.

Examples include :

Myotonic - This is characterized by an inability to relax muscles following contractions. Facial and neck muscles are usually the first to be affected. People with this form typically have long, thin faces; drooping eyelids; and swanlike necks
Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) - Muscle weakness typically begins in the face, hip and shoulders. The shoulder blades might stick out like wings when arms are raised. Onset usually occurs in the teenage years but can begin in childhood or as late as age 50
Congenita - This type affects boys and girls and is apparent at birth or before age 2. Some forms progress slowly and cause only mild disability, while others progress rapidly and cause severe impairment
Limb-girdle - Hip and shoulder muscles are usually affected first. People with this type of muscular dystrophy might have difficulty lifting the front part of the foot and so might trip frequently. Onset usually begins in childhood or the teenage years

Causes

Certain genes are involved in making proteins that protect muscle fibers. Muscular dystrophy occurs when one of these genes is defective. Each form of muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic mutation particular to that type of the disease. Most of these mutations are inherited.

Complications

The complications of progressive muscle weakness include :

Trouble walking - Some people with muscular dystrophy eventually need to use a wheelchair
Trouble using arms - Daily activities can become more difficult if the muscles of the arms and shoulders are affected.
Shortening of muscles or tendons around joints (contractures) - Contractures can further limit mobility
Breathing problems - Progressive weakness can affect the muscles associated with breathing. People with muscular dystrophy might eventually need to use a breathing assistance device (ventilator), initially at night but possibly also during the day.
Curved spine (scoliosis) - Weakened muscles might be unable to hold the spine straight
Heart problems - Muscular dystrophy can reduce the efficiency of the heart muscle
Swallowing problems - If the muscles involved with swallowing are affected, nutritional problems and aspiration pneumonia can develop. Feeding tubes might be an option

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE YOU PAIN

Range of motion exercises
Stretching
Low-impact workouts - such as swimming or water exercise (aquatic therapy).

Supportive Bracing - This helps to maintain normal function as long as possible Proper wheelchair seating is essential. Molded ankle-foot orthoses help stabilize gait in patients with foot drop. Lightweight plastic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for footdrop are extremely helpful. Footdrop is easily treatable with AFOs. Occasionally, walking may become hampered by paraspinal muscle contractures; in that case, a wheelchair may assist the individual when it is necessary to cover long distances.

muscular dystrophy treatment

Adaptive or assistive technological devices in the classroom (such as a keyboard for writing)
Use a wheelchair or wear joint braces

Use a ventilator for breathingsuch as swimming or water exercise (aquatic therapy).
Need special considerations about absences, shortened school days, and missed classwork and homework due to physical therapy sessions.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE YOU PAIN

muscular dystrophy treatment

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