Muscular Dystrophy

Diagnosis

You or your child might be subjected to one or more of the following diagnostic procedures if your doctor suspects that you or your child has Muscular Dystrophy:

• A blood test for proteins and enzymes looks for heightened amounts of the enzyme creatine kinase.
• Electrical activity in muscles and nerves is checked by quantified electromyography, also known as EMG.
• During a muscle biopsy, the cells in the muscle tissue are examined.
• Muscular dystrophy-related gene mutations are discovered by genetic testing.

Risk Factors

Muscular Dystrophy can affect people of all races, ages, and genders. Yet the most prevalent type, Duchenne, typically affects young males. Progressive muscle weakening has several side effects, including:

• Some patients having Muscular Dystrophy need to use a wheelchair.
• Daily tasks may become more challenging if the shoulders and arms are impaired.
• Contractures (muscle hardening) may further hamper mobility.
• The respiratory muscles could be harmed by progressive weakening. A ventilator may be needed eventually to assist with breathing.
• Weakened muscles affect spine straightness.
• Muscular Dystrophy can weaken the heart muscles.
• Nutritional issues and aspiration pneumonia can arise if the swallowing muscles are compromised.

Treatment & Prevention

With time, disease symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy can worsen, but some therapies can help, such as:

• Muscles are strengthened and stretched during physical and occupational therapy. You can preserve your mobility and function with the aid of these treatments.
• Those who have difficulty swallowing benefit from speech therapy.
• Prednisone and deflazacort are corticosteroids that may decrease the course of illness.
• Surgeries to straighten the spine and release stress from tense muscles.
• Pacemakers and other heart assist devices are used to treat heart failure and issues with heart rhythm.
• Walkers and wheelchairs are medical gadgets that can increase mobility and reduce falls.
• Breathing is aided through respiratory treatment, including cough-assist tools and respirators.

Regrettably, there is no way to stop someone from developing muscular Dystrophy. If you have the condition, taking the following actions can improve your quality of life:

• Avoid malnutrition through a healthy diet.
• To prevent dehydration and constipation, consume plenty of water.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• To safeguard your heart and lungs, stop smoking.

Unfortunately, Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive disease and symptoms tend to worsen over time.  There is no cure for this disease, treatment can help improve the quality of life for people living with it.