Symptoms most often appear first in your face and neck.
Muscular Dystrophy or MD refers to a genetic disease wherein the muscle fibers get easily damaged and progressively deteriorate.
This condition affects both the voluntary and involuntary muscles as well as the skeletal muscles. The internal organs could be affected too. As it is hereditary, individuals suffering from this condition received a defective gene from their parents.
MD causes breathing and swallowing problems as well as muscle contracture.
Treatment for Muscular Dystrophy is focused towards slowing down the progression of the disorder. There is no perfect cure for MD nor can it be prevented.
Patients must be brought to a doctor for accurate diagnosis and come up with an individualized treatment plan.
Signs and Symptoms What happens to someone with distal muscular dystrophy (DD)? Typically, the first symptom of distal muscular dystrophy (DD) is weakness in the distal muscles — those farthest away from the hips and shoulders such as those in the hands, feet, lower arms or lower legs. There’s currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatments can help manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatments depend on your symptoms. Treatment options include. Muscular dystrophy (MD) is often considered one disease that presents in a classic way. While progressive muscle weakness and difficulty controlling movement are present in all nine forms of the disease, there are nuances in the symptoms experienced and the extent of them that depend on what type someone has.
MG comes in various forms, some being evident even in early childhood while others develop the condition in adulthood. A number of genes are needed in the production of proteins to protect the muscle from damage.
Majority of the cases of MD is attributed to a defective dystrophin gene. Meanwhile, mutations in other genes result in other forms of MD. These genetic mutations could be either be hereditary or spontaneous. Types of Muscular Dystrophy MD is classified into several forms, namely: Myotonic MD This form of MD can cause several medical problems like cataract, muscle weakness and cardiac problems.
Myotonic MD is characterized by the difficulty of the muscles to relax. The symptoms often surface during adolescence or adulthood. The disorder is often observable in early childhood and may also affect other organs in the body like the heart and lungs. Facioscapulohumeral MD FSHD, which often manifests itself during adolescence or adulthood, affects the muscles in the shoulders, face and lower legs.
Some people experience mild FSHD. Congenital Evident at birth, congenital MD is typified by weak muscles and muscle tone. The severity and progression of CMD vary significantly in every patient, but it does cause intellectual and learning problems.
This slow-progressing MD is evident during early childhood or adulthood. Distal Another slowly progressing form, Distal MD affects the muscles in the lower legs, feet, hands and forearms.
Muscle weakness is felt on the shins, upper arms and shoulders, as well as the heart.It’s estimated that one in boys will be born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy but most won’t present any symptoms of the disease until they are two or three years old.
But the earlier Duchenne MD can be diagnosed, the earlier treatment can begin. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of muscular dystrophy. What you can do. Write down the signs and symptoms you or your child has been experiencing, and for how long.
Bring photos or video recordings so you can show the doctor the symptoms that concern you. Learn more about Muscular Dystrophy signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment at Baptist Health, Kentucky's premier provider in advanced Neurology Care.
Symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy The initial signs of Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be observed before a child turns six. The primary muscles affected are those found in the hips, thighs, pelvic area, and shoulders.
There’s currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatments can help manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatments depend on your symptoms.
Treatment options include. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, with symptoms typically beginning between ages 2 to 6. It mostly affects boys, though girls may be mildly affected.