Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Maddie Ennis
Causes
They don't know exactly what the cause of CMD, but they believe it has to do with the muscle proteins that are required in the early stages of the baby's development.
-In the 1990s, researchers found that the deficiency of a protein called merosin lead to some cases of the child having CMD.
Symptoms
CMD begins during infancy or very early childhood. Most children with CMD show progressive muscle weakness, it is usually identified as hypotonia. Later on in development, the toddler may meet the milestones of growth slowly, such as rolling over, sitting up, or they may not meet it at all.
Treatment
The family should meet with their doctor to discuss treatment. They need to include pulmonologists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, physiotherapists, orthopedists, and a care specialist to help optimize quality of life. They need to have follow-up visit with them regularly.
Life Expectancy
It depends on the progression of the weakness in the muscles.
-it is estimated that 1 baby in every 20,000-50,000 are born with CMD