Causes and risk factors
Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease. Genetic factor is the only causative factor.
Clinical presentation:
There are different types of muscular dystrophies- these include Becker muscular dystrophy, Oculopharayngeal muscular dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy and Limb girdle type. Symptoms vary from person to person and as per the muscle affected. In some people only a particular group of muscle can be affected, while in some variety of muscles can be affected. Weakness of muscles is the common symptom seen. The person complaints of difficulty in walking. The gait becomes abnormal. The weakness of the muscles slowly gets worse and loss of muscle mass occurs. The person is unable to close the eyes and mouth of the affected side. There occurs dribbling of saliva from the angle of the mouth on the affected side. Drooping of eyelids occur. The person is dull and drowsy. Gradually the muscle of the other parts of the body can also be affected leading to complications. over times, difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy can be seen.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the parents and the physical examination carried out by the doctor. Certain physical tests can be carried out by the doctor. Creatinine kinase levels are done. Genetic testing and muscular biopsy can also be recommended. Further as per the symptoms seen the doctor can advices other investigations like routine blood test,Specialised blood test, USG, CT scan or MRI.
Treatment:
Muscular dystrophy cannot be cured however the treatment aims at improving the disability. The sooner the treatment is adopted the better are the results. Symptomatic relief is obtained. Various medications to allay the pain are administered. Steroids are prescribed to reduce the muscular dystrophy. Surgical intervention is aimed at correcting of any anatomical abnormality. Usually in severe cases like spinal fusion surgery is adviced. Braces and use of orthopedic devices like wheelchair, rolling walkers are recommended. Physiotherapy exercises will help to strengthen the muscles. Speech therapy is started. Support from friends and family along with parental counseling plays a major role.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.. Acupuncture which is the science of insertion of fine needles on the certain stimulating spots on the body has proved to be effective. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
Recent update:
Researchers are going on in searching on a better treatment plan that will trigger the tissue repair in damaged muscles which would help treat conditions like such conditions.
