Muscular dystrophy

                         Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a name given to a group of neuromuscular disorders that cause a progressive and selective degeneration and weakness of voluntary muscles. There are around 60 of these disorders and they all involve a progressive

                        Neuromuscular diseases are divided into three main groups, these are;

n      Dystrophies --  these are characterised by muscle wasting from within the muscles

n      Atrophies --  these are characterised by muscle wasting caused by a disorder of the nerve system of the spinal cord

n      Neuropathies – these are characterised by muscle wasting caused by a disorder of the nerve system within the peripheral parts of the body

               Signs and symptoms for MD vary according to the type of MD. In general they may include;

n      Muscle weakness

n      Apparent lack of coordination

n      Progressive crippling, loss of mobility

                         Many of the specific signs vary among the different forms of MD. Each type is different in the age of onset, what part of the body it effects and how rapidly the disease progresses.

                         Duchenne MD is one of the most severe forms of MD. It occurs mostly in boys and is the most common form of MD that affects children.

              Signs and symptoms of Duchanne MD are;

n      Frequent falls

n      Large calf muscles

n      Difficulty getting up

n      Weakness in lower leg muscles

n      Waddling gait

                        These signs will usually appear around the ages of 2 and 5. It will affect the muscles of the pelvis, upper arms and lower legs. By late childhood these children are unable to walk. Expectancy of life is only to late teens or early 20s. These children will suffer complications such as;

n      Pneumonia

n      Respiratory muscle weakness

n      Cardiac complications

n      Some may exhibit curvature of the spine

                          Becker’s MD is a milder form of MD, and progresses more slowly signs and symptoms of Becker’s MD are similar to that of Duchanne. The onset usually occurs a little later in life; children affected by Becker’s MD are often able to walk well into adulthood.

                          Myotonic dystrophy, also known as Sternert’s Disease, produces stiffness of muscles and an inability to relax the muscles at will. This form of MD can affect children but it usually occurs more well into adulthood. Progression of this form of MD is slow.

                         There is no specific treatment to cure or halt MD. Physical therapy, exercise, orthopaedic appliances, or corrective orthopaedic surgery may help to preserve muscle function and improve quality of life.

                         If a member of your family has MD, coping with this illness involves a major commitment of physical, emotional and financial effort. The disease presents challenges in the class room, in the home and in all aspects of life. In dealing with MD, support groups can be a valuable part of life. Ask your Doctor about self help groups that may exist in your area.

                       I hope this helps…………..