Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy, or MD, is actually a group of muscle disorders that cause your muscles to become weak and wasted. The most common forms have a genetic cause.
The signs and symptoms of the various types of MD will vary, but typically patients have severe muscle weakness, are physically uncoordinated and have contractures (such as a club foot or claw hand). Some kinds of MD cause mental retardation.
There is no known cure for MD but your doctor can help control your symptoms and can recommend surgery or orthotics (braces) if appropriate. If you have a child with MD, joining a support group can also help you cope with the difficult physical, emotional and financial problems you're facing.
Recently Answered
- Q How do I manage my Becker's muscular dystrophy on a daily basis?
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Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy are names for the same disorder caused by genetic mutations in the DMD gene. Because this is a genetic disorder, it cannot be prevented. If you have a family history of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy,... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications affect muscular dystrophy?
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Doctors may prescribe one of several medications for muscular dystrophy. Some medications work to control symptoms like muscle spasms and weakness. These medications include phenytoin, mexiletine, and dantrolene. Other medications work to slow the... Full Answer
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- Q How does muscular dystrophy affect pregnancy?
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When it comes to pregnancy, there are several complications for a woman with muscular dystrophy. One of the most prominent complications is that because the woman obviously carries the genetic mutation for the disease, there's a greater chance that her... Full Answer
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- Q How do illnesses affect someone with muscular dystrophy?
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Certain illnesses may cause complications in people with muscular dystrophy. Because the disease commonly causes muscle weakness throughout the body, important internal organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract may be weakened. This may lead to... Full Answer
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- Q How common is muscular dystrophy?
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The rates for muscular dystrophy vary depending on the type of disease. Myotonic dystrophy is the most common form, affecting around 30,000 people in the United States. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy affects about 8,000 people in the United States.... Full Answer
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- Q Does muscular dystrophy run in families?
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Muscular dystrophy is an inherited condition that runs in families. This means that if one or both parents have had the disease, or if they're a carrier of the mutation for the disease, it's much more likely for the child to also have muscular dystrophy.... Full Answer
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- Q If I have Muscular Dystrophy, will my child have the disease?
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Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease. Accordingly, if you have the disease, there is an increased chance you may pass it to your child. The likelihood of your child developing muscular dystrophy depends on the type of muscular dystrophy you... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for muscular dystrophy?
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Since all types of muscular dystrophy are inherited, your risk is increased by certain genetic factors. The way that the disease is passed down through genes varies depending on the specific disease. In most cases, if one or both of your parents have a... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my myotonic dystrophy on a daily basis?
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Myotonic dystrophy can be managed on a daily basis using a combination of medication, physical therapy, and assistive devices. Medications are available to lessen myotonia, and if you have diabetes or mild diabetic symptoms, medication can help you... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my distal muscular dystrophy on a daily basis?
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Distal muscular dystrophy can have a major impact on your life, but there are ways you can manage the disease from day to day. It's important to follow doctors' advice regarding treatment such as physical and occupational therapy. Exercise-especially... Full Answer
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