muscular dystrophy
congenital conditions
what is muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.
2 yearold toddler
getting physical therapy
medicine
helps with the symptoms
What causes this?
causes of muscular dystrophy
Certain genes are involved in making proteins that protect muscle fibers from damage. Muscular dystrophy occurs when one of these genes is defective.
Each form of muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic mutation particular to that type of the disease. Many of these mutations are inherited. But some occur spontaneously in the mother's egg or the developing embryo and can be passed on to the next generation.
Can it be prevented
Some forms can be prevented. For example post Polio Syndrome (a condition of muscle weakness that develops in adulthood in patients that had polio as a child) can be prevented by vaccinating children against polio
Symptoms
The main sign of muscular dystrophy is progressive muscle weakness. Specific signs and symptoms begin at different ages and in different muscle groups, depending on the type of muscular dystrophy.
toddler signs
Signs and symptoms typically appear between the ages of 2 and 3, and may include:
- Frequent falls
- Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position
- Trouble running and jumping
- Waddling gait
- Walking on the toes
- Large calf muscles
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Learning disabilities
How can it be detected
is diagnosed through a physical exam, a family medical history, and tests. These might include: A muscle biopsy (the removal and exam of a small sample of muscle tissue) DNA testing.
Treatment
There's no cure for any form of muscular dystrophy. But treatment can help prevent or reduce problems in the joints and spine to allow people with muscular dystrophy to remain mobile as long as possible. Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, and surgical and other procedures. Mediations , physical therapy ,and surgery