Finding out that your child has muscular dystrophy (MD) can be upsetting. You may be worried about your child's future. But many people with this disease live an active life.
There are several types of muscular dystrophy. Each type affects the body differently. Some types show up early, and others show up later. But all types are caused by inherited genes that weaken muscles. Your child's doctor may do tests to know what type your child has. These include genetic tests and a biopsy of your child's muscles.
The most common types of muscular dystrophy are:
There are many treatments to help your child stay as active as possible. These include medicine, physical therapy, and devices to support the muscles. You can work with your doctor to make a treatment plan.
There are different types of muscular dystrophy (MD). Muscular dystrophies are rare inherited diseases of the nerves and muscles that occur mostly in males. The most common type of muscular dystrophy causes rapid muscle wasting and progressive weakness early in life.
Muscle wasting begins in the shoulder and pelvic areas. Fat and connective tissue may grow into muscles and cause abnormal enlargement (hypertrophy), especially in the calf muscles of the legs. Within several years muscular dystrophy affects the muscles of the upper body and arms. Eventually all the major muscles are affected.
There is no cure for muscular dystrophies. Treatment involves controlling symptoms.
Each type of muscular dystrophy affects the body differently. The symptoms will depend on what type your child has, how severe it is, and how far it has progressed. The most common symptom is muscle weakness. Other symptoms include facial weakness, trouble walking, learning delays, and heart and lung problems.
There isn't a cure for muscular dystrophy. But there are treatments that can help your child stay as active as possible.
The goal of treatment is to manage your child's symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Treatment options may include:
As your child's condition changes over time, talk with your doctor about whether changes in diet or exercise may also be a good idea.
There may also be clinical trials available that are testing new treatments. You can ask your doctor if there are any that you should think about.
Your doctor will do a physical exam. During the exam, the doctor may watch your child walk. Your child may be asked to do simple tasks, like stand up from a sitting position on the floor. The doctor will also ask questions about your family's health history.
If your doctor thinks your child may have muscular dystrophy, the doctor will do blood tests. Genetic tests will also be done to make the diagnosis. A muscle biopsy or a test to see how the muscles respond to stimulation might also be done. The muscle tests are less common.
Since the condition is passed down through families (genetic), you might think about genetic testing for other family members. It can help find out the risk of passing on the gene.
Muscular dystrophy is caused by inheriting changed genes. The changed genes make it hard for the body to build and maintain healthy muscles. All kinds of muscles can be affected, including arm, leg, and breathing muscles and the heart.
There are different types of muscular dystrophy (MD). Muscular dystrophies are rare inherited diseases. They cause loss of muscle along with weakness that gets worse over time. There are different types. The most common type causes symptoms early in life, often between the ages of 2 and 5. Other types show up later.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated