Case Study On Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Vivek is a successful college graduate working from home for charities. He writes blogs, vlogs, gives disability advice and peer support. From this, you would think that Vivek is an average guy. Little would you know that Vivek has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disorder of the muscles. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rapid deterioration of muscular tissue. This can result in difficulty walking, enlarged calves, lack of motor skills development and fatigue. There can also be a rapid increasing weakness in legs, pelvis, arms, and neck. Learning disabilities occur in about one-third of those diagnosed with DMD. It is caused by a mutation in the DNA that codes for dystrophin. This is a protein that helps
This means that males have a higher chance of getting the disorder as they only have one x chromosome. Due to this, females can carry DMD over many generations without having someone with it. It can also be caused by a random mutation as this is the case with Vivek. Vivek was diagnosed at 4 years old. Duchenne is signaled by weakening muscles and lack of coordination. The doctor may also use a blood test called a creatine phosphokinase test. This test detects the creatine phosphokinase enzyme in the blood that is created when muscles deteriorate. Muscle biopsies and genetic tests can determine the specific type of muscular dystrophy the person has.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DMD. Treatment works to treat the symptoms and extend life expectancy. Children usually need a wheelchair by age 12 and leg bracing can extend the amount of time the child can walk. Physical therapy keeps muscles in the best condition while steroid treatments prolong muscle function. Vivek takes four hourly painkillers due to nerve pain in his feet and two different types of heart medication. One is used to slow his heart rate and the other to dilate his blood vessels so it is easier for his heart to pump blood around my