A group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. In muscular dystrophies, abnormal genes (mutation) lead to muscle degeneration. Most forms begin in childhood.
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Damaged muscles become progressively weaker. Most people who have the condition eventually need a wheelchair. Other symptoms include trouble breathing or swallowing. Other symptoms may include painful muscles, abnormality walking, flaccid muscles, muscle weakness, loss of muscle, or permanent shortening of muscles, cardiomyopathy, chest breathing, constipation, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, scoliosis, and difficulty with running, jumping, learning disabilities, and toe walking.
Treatment of Muscular Dystrophy
Treatment consists of steroids. Medication, therapy, breathing aids or surgery may help maintain function but the life span is often shortened.
Fast facts on Muscular Dystrophy
- Muscular dystrophy is a collection of muscle-wasting conditions.
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common type
- A lack of a protein called dystrophin is the main cause of muscular dystrophy
- Gene therapies are currently being trialed to combat the disease
- There is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: It is the most common form of the illness. Symptoms normally start before a child’s third birthday. They are generally wheelchair-bound by 12 years and die of respiratory failure by their early to mid-twenties.
- Becker Muscular Dystrophy: Similar symptoms to Duchenne but with a slower progression. Death usually occurs in the mid-forties.
- Myotonic (steinerts disease): The myotonic form is the most common adult-onset form. It is characterized by an inability to relax a muscle once it is contracted. The muscles of the face and neck are often affected first. Symptoms also include cataracts, sleepiness, and arrhythmia.
- Congenital: This type can be obvious from birth or before the age of 2 years. It affects girls and boys. Some forms progress slowly whereas others can move swiftly and cause significant impairments.
- Faciosca Pulohumeral (FSHD): Onset can be at almost any age but is most commonly seen during teenage years. The muscular weakness often begins with the face and shoulders. People with FSHD may sleep with their eyes slightly open and have trouble fully closing the eyelids. When an individual with FSHD raises their arms, their shoulder blades protrude like wings.
- Limb-girdle: This variant begins in childhood or teenage years and first affects the shoulder and hip muscles. Individuals with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy might have trouble raising the front part of the foot, making tripping a common problem.
- Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy: Onset is between the ages of 40 and 70 years. Eyelids, throat, and face are first affected, followed by the shoulder and pelvis.
Therapy and Home remedies for Muscular Dystrophy
- Range of motion and stretching exercises: Muscular dystrophy can restrict the flexibility and mobility of joints.
- Exercise: Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking and swimming can help maintain strength, mobility, and general health.
- Braces: These keep muscles and tendons stretched and help slow their shortening. They also give added support to the user when moving.
- Mobility Aids: Canes, wheelchairs, and walkers can help the person stay mobile.
- Breathing assistance: As the muscles used for breathing becomes weaker, it may be necessary to use devices to help improve oxygen delivery through the night. In the most severe cases, a patient may need to use a ventilator to breathe on their behalf.
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Compiled by: Delight Donkor
