Muscular Dystrophy
The combination of growing progressively weaker, losing the ability to walk, and dying at an early age may be due to Muscular Dystrophy, also called (MD). Muscular dystrophy is a genetic mishap that weakens the body's muscles. There is no single disease called muscular dystrophy. Muscular Dystrophy refers to a group of more than 30 inherited diseases. These diseases affect the voluntary or skeletal muscles, which control the movements of legs, arms, and other limbs. Some organs, such as the heart and the gut, are also affected by the disease. Muscular Dystrophy can prevent the movement of the muscles any human who carries the trait, and varies depending on the type.
It Can Affect Anyone
Every form of muscular dystrophy is inherited; it is associated …show more content…
with a distinct genetic mutation. The characteristics of the muscular dystrophy and the way the disease is passed on from one generation to the next, is determined by the nature of the gene mutation and which chromosome it is located on. This disorder affects people of all ages. Because the disease is caused by incorrect or missing genetic information, it keeps the body from making the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles. Muscular Dystrophy can occur at different stages of a person's life, from an infant to middle age or even later in life (Hirsch1). A child diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy gradually loses the ability to do things such as walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands (Hirsch1). This disorder also affects both genders some types of Muscular Dystrophy affect only males. This type of Muscular found only in males is called Emery-Dreifuss. Others affect both males and females. The disease also varies in inheritance patterns. If your mother has Muscular Dystrophy, you might not have it but may carry the trait and pass it on to your children.
Some sufferers still enjoy a normal life span with little symptoms appearing slowly, while others suffer more rapid and severe muscle weakness, causing them to die in their late teens to early 20s (Hirsch1). This increasing weakness can lead to other health problems (Clark1). It depends on the degree of the muscle weakness, which muscles are affected, the rate of symptom progression, and the way the disease arises.
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
There are many major types of Muscular Dystrophy, which can affect the muscles in many different ways.
Although some muscular dystrophies cause muscle problems in children, as stated above, other victims’ symptoms do not present themselves until adulthood (Clark1). One of the most common forms of Muscular Dystrophy in adults is Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. It affects both men and women, and it usually appears any time from early childhood to adulthood (Hirsch1). It is extremely rare for newborns to suffer from Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. The name refers to a symptom, myotonia spasm, meaning stiffening of the muscles after use. There are nine total major forms of muscular dystrophy: Myotonic, Duchenne, Becker, Limb-girdle, Facioscapulohumeral, Congenital, Oculopharyngeal, Distal and Emery-Dreifuss (Clark1). Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy symptoms appear early in life, often between the ages of 1 and 6. The condition advances rapidly. Many people result to needing a wheelchair by the age of 12. Symptoms include those previously listed, plus fatigue and bone problems in the back and chest. Individuals with the condition may eventually have trouble breathing and develop pneumonia. They may also sometimes grow to be mentally impaired. Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, which usually begins around age 12, is much less austere than Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The symptoms include those previously listed, in addition to heart disease, problems with the curvature of the spine, fatigue, …show more content…
problems with thinking, and breathing difficulties. Symptoms of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, which is also called Landouzy-Dejerine Muscular Dystrophy, include having weakness of facial and shoulder muscles and difficulty with lifting arms, whistling, and the closing of eyes. The main place it affects is the upper body; it can also cause hearing loss, speech problems, and changes in heart rhythm. Often, symptoms start around ages 10 to 26, but they may also appear at a later stage. Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies cause weakness in the hips or shoulders. The symptoms usually begin to appear in childhood or premature adulthood. Muscle weakness starts in the pelvic area and moves to the shoulders and other body parts. Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy causes muscle deterioration in the lower legs as well as the upper arms. Other areas like the shoulders, chest, and face, may also be affected. Oropharyngeal Muscle Dystrophy symptoms include difficulty swallowing and closing or drooping eyelids (i.e., ptosis). It also causes tongue and facial muscle weakness. It habitually appears after age 45. The muscle contractures (shortening of muscle) usually appear before the muscle weakness appears. Distal Muscular Dystrophy, often times, occurs after age 35 and causes weakness in the ankles, making it difficult to walk. Mitochondrial Myopathies are caused by defects in the genes of the mitochondria, which are specialized units found inside cells that create the energy needed for cells to work. Symptoms include those previously listed, in addition to heart problems, seizures, and problems with vision and hearing.
The diseases cause muscle weakness and affects the central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and hormone producing glands. Although many lives are limited by Muscular Dystrophy, in some cases, life spans are not dramatically affected. However, some sufferers do experience a decreased life span (Hirsch1).
Therapy and Interventions
As of right now, there are no cures known for various muscular dystrophies. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, such as frequent falling, limited range of movement, respiratory difficulty, and muscle weakness. Physical therapy may help patients maintain muscle strength and function. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility and self-care abilities. In some cases, surgery on the spine or legs may help improve function. Corticosteroids taken by mouth are sometimes prescribed to children to keep them walking for as long as possible. A person with Muscular Dystrophy should always attempt to remain active. Inactivity, such as bed rest, could weaken the muscles even more, causing the disease to worsen (Kaneshiro). Respiratory infections may become a problem in later stages of muscular dystrophy. It's important to keep up to date with vaccinations and shots.
It can be extremely challenging to cope with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, so find someone who you feel comfortable discussing your feelings with. You may also prefer meeting with a support group. Another bit of advice is to learn to openly discuss you or your loved one’s condition in a positive light. Ask your doctor about the most appropriate ways to comfortably discuss this condition with them. Ignoring it will only make things worse.
Dietary changes haven't been shown to slow the progression of Muscular Dystrophy; however, proper nutrition is essential because limited mobility can contribute to obesity, dehydration and constipation. A high-fiber, high-protein, low-calorie diet may help. To delay damage to dying muscle cells, antibiotics are given to fight off infection. Some victims benefit from occupational therapy and technology. Other patients may need assisted ventilation to treat respiratory muscle weakness and a pacemaker for cardiac problems (Muscular Dystrophy Information Page). Muscular Dystrophy is a powerful disease that no one can control. Disabling many that inherited it.
Daily Mental Struggle
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy include pain and limited functioning.
Consistent pain from Muscular Dystrophy is categorized by tenderness, soreness and in some cases inflammation. This disorder affects people of all ages (Bagasis, 2011). Because the disease affects joints it is hard for those with Muscular Dystrophy to maintain healthy functioning. Muscular Dystrophy can occur at different stages of a person's life, from an infant to middle age or even later in life (Kumar, 2011). A child diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy gradually loses the ability to do things such as walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands (Sokka, 2012). This disorder also affects both
genders.
Teens have varying experiences depending on the type of Muscular Dystrophy they have. One person may not be able to raise their hand in class because of weakened shoulders. Someone may not be able to smile, due to a weakness of facial muscles. Another person may have a hard time walking from class to class because of weak muscles in the pelvis or legs. Sometimes you may not be able to tell that a teen has Muscular Dystrophy at all.
For teens with Muscular Dystrophy, it can be hard to come to terms with the disease, especially because it gradually gets worse. For example, when someone who walks to class must start using a wheelchair in school, it can be a difficult adjustment. Support from doctors, family, and friends can make it easier to deal with Muscular Dystrophy. If you know someone who has Muscular Dystrophy, there's a lot you can do to offer help and support, such as, helping them get books out during class or rides to and from events. Teens who have Muscular Dystrophy can begin to feel cut off from their friends, because they are beginning to feel more confined to the home because their symptoms may be worsening. You can try planning events more suitable for your loved ones that have the disease, such as, playing video games or watching movies at his or her home. Your loved one will always be the same person — just more limited in movement.
Muscular Dystrophy can take a negative toll on the body. Not only do patients suffer from chronic pain, but they also suffer mental health issues as well (Kumar, 2011). Living with chronic pain can cause stress on both the mind and body. Many no longer participate in the social activities they used to enjoy and are worried about how Muscular Dystrophy has affected their appearance (Kumar, 2011). Simple basic household chores such as moping, vacuuming and dusting can also become very difficult for a person who is experiencing extreme muscles pain (Bagasis, 2011). Majority of those with Muscular Dystrophy are sad and depressed because they feel less independent (Kumar, 2011). Some victims of Muscular Dystrophy believe their condition has had a negative impact on intimacy with their spouse or partner, with some stating they no longer have an active sex life. Half of those who are divorced or living apart believe their Muscular Dystrophy was a factor to their relationship ending. Being in absolute pain every day causes extreme damage to a person’s mental state. Therefore some of those with muscular dystrophy often consider suicide.
It Can Affect Anyone
Every form of muscular dystrophy is inherited; it is associated …show more content…
with a distinct genetic mutation. The characteristics of the muscular dystrophy and the way the disease is passed on from one generation to the next, is determined by the nature of the gene mutation and which chromosome it is located on. This disorder affects people of all ages. Because the disease is caused by incorrect or missing genetic information, it keeps the body from making the proteins needed to build and maintain healthy muscles. Muscular Dystrophy can occur at different stages of a person's life, from an infant to middle age or even later in life (Hirsch1). A child diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy gradually loses the ability to do things such as walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands (Hirsch1). This disorder also affects both genders some types of Muscular Dystrophy affect only males. This type of Muscular found only in males is called Emery-Dreifuss. Others affect both males and females. The disease also varies in inheritance patterns. If your mother has Muscular Dystrophy, you might not have it but may carry the trait and pass it on to your children.
Some sufferers still enjoy a normal life span with little symptoms appearing slowly, while others suffer more rapid and severe muscle weakness, causing them to die in their late teens to early 20s (Hirsch1). This increasing weakness can lead to other health problems (Clark1). It depends on the degree of the muscle weakness, which muscles are affected, the rate of symptom progression, and the way the disease arises.
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
There are many major types of Muscular Dystrophy, which can affect the muscles in many different ways.
Although some muscular dystrophies cause muscle problems in children, as stated above, other victims’ symptoms do not present themselves until adulthood (Clark1). One of the most common forms of Muscular Dystrophy in adults is Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. It affects both men and women, and it usually appears any time from early childhood to adulthood (Hirsch1). It is extremely rare for newborns to suffer from Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. The name refers to a symptom, myotonia spasm, meaning stiffening of the muscles after use. There are nine total major forms of muscular dystrophy: Myotonic, Duchenne, Becker, Limb-girdle, Facioscapulohumeral, Congenital, Oculopharyngeal, Distal and Emery-Dreifuss (Clark1). Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy symptoms appear early in life, often between the ages of 1 and 6. The condition advances rapidly. Many people result to needing a wheelchair by the age of 12. Symptoms include those previously listed, plus fatigue and bone problems in the back and chest. Individuals with the condition may eventually have trouble breathing and develop pneumonia. They may also sometimes grow to be mentally impaired. Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, which usually begins around age 12, is much less austere than Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The symptoms include those previously listed, in addition to heart disease, problems with the curvature of the spine, fatigue, …show more content…
problems with thinking, and breathing difficulties. Symptoms of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, which is also called Landouzy-Dejerine Muscular Dystrophy, include having weakness of facial and shoulder muscles and difficulty with lifting arms, whistling, and the closing of eyes. The main place it affects is the upper body; it can also cause hearing loss, speech problems, and changes in heart rhythm. Often, symptoms start around ages 10 to 26, but they may also appear at a later stage. Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies cause weakness in the hips or shoulders. The symptoms usually begin to appear in childhood or premature adulthood. Muscle weakness starts in the pelvic area and moves to the shoulders and other body parts. Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy causes muscle deterioration in the lower legs as well as the upper arms. Other areas like the shoulders, chest, and face, may also be affected. Oropharyngeal Muscle Dystrophy symptoms include difficulty swallowing and closing or drooping eyelids (i.e., ptosis). It also causes tongue and facial muscle weakness. It habitually appears after age 45. The muscle contractures (shortening of muscle) usually appear before the muscle weakness appears. Distal Muscular Dystrophy, often times, occurs after age 35 and causes weakness in the ankles, making it difficult to walk. Mitochondrial Myopathies are caused by defects in the genes of the mitochondria, which are specialized units found inside cells that create the energy needed for cells to work. Symptoms include those previously listed, in addition to heart problems, seizures, and problems with vision and hearing.
The diseases cause muscle weakness and affects the central nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and hormone producing glands. Although many lives are limited by Muscular Dystrophy, in some cases, life spans are not dramatically affected. However, some sufferers do experience a decreased life span (Hirsch1).
Therapy and Interventions
As of right now, there are no cures known for various muscular dystrophies. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms, such as frequent falling, limited range of movement, respiratory difficulty, and muscle weakness. Physical therapy may help patients maintain muscle strength and function. Orthopedic appliances such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility and self-care abilities. In some cases, surgery on the spine or legs may help improve function. Corticosteroids taken by mouth are sometimes prescribed to children to keep them walking for as long as possible. A person with Muscular Dystrophy should always attempt to remain active. Inactivity, such as bed rest, could weaken the muscles even more, causing the disease to worsen (Kaneshiro). Respiratory infections may become a problem in later stages of muscular dystrophy. It's important to keep up to date with vaccinations and shots.
It can be extremely challenging to cope with a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, so find someone who you feel comfortable discussing your feelings with. You may also prefer meeting with a support group. Another bit of advice is to learn to openly discuss you or your loved one’s condition in a positive light. Ask your doctor about the most appropriate ways to comfortably discuss this condition with them. Ignoring it will only make things worse.
Dietary changes haven't been shown to slow the progression of Muscular Dystrophy; however, proper nutrition is essential because limited mobility can contribute to obesity, dehydration and constipation. A high-fiber, high-protein, low-calorie diet may help. To delay damage to dying muscle cells, antibiotics are given to fight off infection. Some victims benefit from occupational therapy and technology. Other patients may need assisted ventilation to treat respiratory muscle weakness and a pacemaker for cardiac problems (Muscular Dystrophy Information Page). Muscular Dystrophy is a powerful disease that no one can control. Disabling many that inherited it.
Daily Mental Struggle
Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy include pain and limited functioning.
Consistent pain from Muscular Dystrophy is categorized by tenderness, soreness and in some cases inflammation. This disorder affects people of all ages (Bagasis, 2011). Because the disease affects joints it is hard for those with Muscular Dystrophy to maintain healthy functioning. Muscular Dystrophy can occur at different stages of a person's life, from an infant to middle age or even later in life (Kumar, 2011). A child diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy gradually loses the ability to do things such as walk, sit upright, breathe easily, and move the arms and hands (Sokka, 2012). This disorder also affects both
genders.
Teens have varying experiences depending on the type of Muscular Dystrophy they have. One person may not be able to raise their hand in class because of weakened shoulders. Someone may not be able to smile, due to a weakness of facial muscles. Another person may have a hard time walking from class to class because of weak muscles in the pelvis or legs. Sometimes you may not be able to tell that a teen has Muscular Dystrophy at all.
For teens with Muscular Dystrophy, it can be hard to come to terms with the disease, especially because it gradually gets worse. For example, when someone who walks to class must start using a wheelchair in school, it can be a difficult adjustment. Support from doctors, family, and friends can make it easier to deal with Muscular Dystrophy. If you know someone who has Muscular Dystrophy, there's a lot you can do to offer help and support, such as, helping them get books out during class or rides to and from events. Teens who have Muscular Dystrophy can begin to feel cut off from their friends, because they are beginning to feel more confined to the home because their symptoms may be worsening. You can try planning events more suitable for your loved ones that have the disease, such as, playing video games or watching movies at his or her home. Your loved one will always be the same person — just more limited in movement.
Muscular Dystrophy can take a negative toll on the body. Not only do patients suffer from chronic pain, but they also suffer mental health issues as well (Kumar, 2011). Living with chronic pain can cause stress on both the mind and body. Many no longer participate in the social activities they used to enjoy and are worried about how Muscular Dystrophy has affected their appearance (Kumar, 2011). Simple basic household chores such as moping, vacuuming and dusting can also become very difficult for a person who is experiencing extreme muscles pain (Bagasis, 2011). Majority of those with Muscular Dystrophy are sad and depressed because they feel less independent (Kumar, 2011). Some victims of Muscular Dystrophy believe their condition has had a negative impact on intimacy with their spouse or partner, with some stating they no longer have an active sex life. Half of those who are divorced or living apart believe their Muscular Dystrophy was a factor to their relationship ending. Being in absolute pain every day causes extreme damage to a person’s mental state. Therefore some of those with muscular dystrophy often consider suicide.