Health
Early signs and known therapies for muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy is not a single condition; it is a term used to define a collective of genetic disorders that cause muscle degeneration and weakness in healthy tissue. It is categorized into several types since each condition affects a particular function or organ, causing unique symptoms. The condition has no cure, but treatments can help improve one’s quality of life and outlook living with muscular dystrophy. Here are the common signs and treatments explained. Symptoms Common symptoms range from muscle weakness and muscle loss to severe motor dysfunction. Here are some major ones to note. Muscle weakness One of the first symptoms of muscular dystrophy is muscle weakness that typically starts in the pelvic and shoulder muscles and progresses to nearby muscle groups over time. Children with DMD often have difficulty standing up from a sitting position, climbing stairs, and lifting objects. The weakness tends to be more pronounced in the lower limbs and worsens with the disease progression. Difficulty walking As the disease progresses, individuals with muscular dystrophy may experience difficulty walking or completing general day to day actions. They may develop a waddling gait and may have trouble maintaining balance. Some individuals may eventually require a wheelchair or other mobility aid to get around.
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