Muscular Dystrophy|MD
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder caused by a defective gene, this hereditary – characterized by progressive muscle weakness, preventing the movement of muscles.
It causes weakening and breaking down of muscle fibers. The muscles become weak and susceptible to damage.
The disease affects the voluntary or skeletal muscles, which control the movements of legs, arms, and trunk. It can also affect the heart muscles and other involuntary muscles, such as those of the gut. Some forms of MD are found in infancy or childhood, others may only appear until middle age.
This progressive disease is more common in boys than girls
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Muscular Dystrophy
i. Types of Muscular Dystrophy
ii. Signs and Symptoms
iii. Diagnosis
iv. Treatment
Each type of MD is caused by a genetic mutation. A genetic deficiency of muscle protein, namely dystrophin.
This also responsible for the most common types of MD.
There are nine major types of muscular dystrophy according to:
– The age that the symptoms appear,
– Location of muscles involved,
– The manner in which the defective gene is passed on, and the rate that symptoms progress.
All these types affect people of all age groups.
The signs and symptoms of MD vary according to the types of MD.
Each type of MD is different in the body part affected, age of onset, and progression of the disease.
Some of the common symptoms are muscle weakness, apparent lack of coordination, obesity, progressive muscle wasting, weakness and loss of function, joint contractures, frontal baldness, cataracts, drooping eyelids, mental impairment, and gonadal atrophy.
A careful review of patient’s family history of muscle disease can help the doctor for an accurate diagnosis. In addition to physical examination and family history, the doctor prescribes some tests for the diagnosis of the condition. A blood test such as determination of serum creatine kinase (CK) is useful to diagnose MD because this enzyme is released by the damaged muscles. High levels of CK indicate a muscle disease such as muscular dystrophy. Other helpful tests are electromyography, ultrasonography, muscle biopsy, and genetic testing.
There is no cure for any type of muscular dystrophy, treatment is given to slow the progress of the disease, it is designed to reduce or prevent the deformities in the spine and joints.
Various treatment options include medications such as mexiletine, baclofen, carbamazepine, and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in order to manage muscle weakness, spasms, and stiffness, as well as improve muscle strength, physical therapy, assistive devices, and surgery. Physical therapy focuses on providing regular range-of-motion exercises to delay the progression of contractures and keep the joints flexible.
Some assistive devices such as braces, walkers, canes, & wheelchairs help maintain the mobility & independence. A tendon release surgery is advised in order to release the contractures.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.