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Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is the progressive weakening and wasting of your muscles. Girls can be carriers and mildly affected by MD, but muscular dystrophy is more common in boys.  

Seek medical advice if you notice signs of muscle weakness, notice an increased clumsiness, and falling in your or your child.  

What causes muscular dystrophy?  

Most muscular dystrophy (MD) cases are caused by DNA sequence changes that affect our muscle proteins. This is known as gene mutation. Mutations are typically inherited, but in some cases, they have been known to occur spontaneously.  

Over time, muscles weaken, decreasing mobility and making everyday tasks difficult.  

 Are there different kinds of muscular dystrophy?  

Yes, there are many different kinds of muscular dystrophy. The significant kinds are as follows:  

  • Duchenne/Becker (DMD/BMD) - most common 
  • Myotonic (DM)  
  • Limb-Girdle (LGMD) 
  • Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD)  
  • Congenital (CMD)  
  • Distal (DD)  
  • Oculopharyngeal (OPMD)  
  • Emery-Dreifuss (EDMD) 

What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy?  

Duchenne is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. Signs and symptoms typically appear in early childhood and might include:  

  • Frequent Falls  
  • Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position  
  • Trouble running and jumping  
  • Wadding gait  
  • Walking on the toes  
  • Large calf muscles  
  • Muscle pain and stiffness  
  • Learning disabilities  
  • Delayed growth  

The signs and symptoms of Becker muscular dystrophy are similar to those of Duchenne but tend to be milder and progress slower. These symptoms generally begin in the teens but might not occur until the mid-20s.  

Myotonic muscular dystrophy  

  • The inability to relax muscles following contractions  
  • Facial and neck muscles are usually the first to be affected  

Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD)  

  • Muscle weakness typically begins in the face, hip, and shoulders.  

Congenital 

  • It affects both boys and girls and is apparent at birth or before age 2  
  • Some forms of congenital 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  
  • Might have difficulty lifting the front part of the foot  
  • Onset typically begins in childhood or teenage years 

 Complications  

  • Trouble walking  
  • Trouble using arms 
  • Shortening of muscles or tendons around joints  
  • Breathing problems  
  • Curved spine (scoliosissis)  
  • Heart problems  
  • Swallowing problems  

Lifestyle Medical Supplies that can help those who struggle with muscular dystrophy  

  • Walker  
  • Wheelchair  
  • Oxygen Concentrator  
  • Portable Oxygen Concentrator  
  • Ventilator  
  • Kitchen aids  
  • Bathroom aids