Muscular Dystrophy
Abby Haas
What is muscular dystrophy?
Causes&Complications
- Defective genes involved in making proteins that protect muscle fibers from damage
- Caused by a genetic mutation particular to that type of the disease
- Many are inherited
- Some occur spontaneously in the mother's egg or the developing embryo
- Can be passed on to the next generation
Complications are
- Limit mobility
- Breathing problems
- Scoliosis
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Nutritional problems
Tests or Treatment & Life Outlook
Diagnosed through
- Physical exam
- Family medical history
- Muscle biopsy
- DNA testing
Treatments may help
- Medications
- Therapy
- Breathing aids
- Surgery
Some types of muscular dystrophy are deadly. Other types cause little disability and people have a normal lifespan.
Prevention
Some forms can be prevented. If a family knows that they have a family history of certain types of muscular dystrophy, Genetic information and counseling can tell whether they are at risk to have children with this genetic disease. People can also learn about what medications or toxins may lead to damage of the nerves and avoid these. However, there are also muscular dystrophies that cannot be prevented because their causes are unknown.
Work Cited
"Muscular Dystrophy." - Mayo Clinic. Web. 14 Oct. 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscular-dystrophy/basics/definition/con-20021240
"Muscular Dystrophy Types & Causes of Each Form." WebMD. WebMD. Web. 14 Oct. 2015.
http://www.webmd.com/children/understanding-muscular-dystrophy-basics