What can trigger muscular dystrophy?

Most cases of MD are caused by gene mutations (changes in the DNA sequence) that affect muscle proteins. The mutations are usually inherited, but in some cases they occur spontaneously. These spontaneous mutations can then be inherited by an affected person's offspring.

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What increases risk of muscular dystrophy?

In most cases, muscular dystrophy (MD) runs in families. It usually develops after inheriting a faulty gene from one or both parents. MD is caused by mutations (alterations) in the genes responsible for healthy muscle structure and function.

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Can muscular dystrophy be caused by stress?

Whilst physiological mechanisms of psychological stress are largely unknown, these association studies demonstrate high prevalence of stress disorders in muscular dystrophies.

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Who is most at risk for muscular dystrophy?

Risk factors

Muscular dystrophy occurs in both sexes and in all ages and races. However, the most common variety, Duchenne, usually occurs in young boys. People with a family history of muscular dystrophy are at higher risk of developing the disease or passing it on to their children.

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What causes muscular dystrophy and what are the risks?

What causes muscular dystrophy? MD is caused by changes (mutations) in the genes responsible for the structure and functioning of a person's muscles. The mutations cause changes in the muscle fibres that interfere with the muscles' ability to function. Over time, this causes increasing disability.

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Duchenne & Becker muscular dystrophy - causes, symptoms, treatment & pathology

44 related questions found

Can muscular dystrophy be avoided?

Muscular dystrophy cannot be prevented. There is no specific treatment or cure for the disease. Care of those with muscular dystrophy is mainly focused on preventing and treating its complications, and improving the quality of life of affected children.

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What foods should a muscular dystrophy patient avoid?

A good practice is to avoid processed foods, such as white bread, sugar, and pasta. Sugar-sweetened beverages, like carbonated drinks, coffee, and alcohol, are also not advised. In some instances, nutritional supplements may be required to fulfill the patient's daily nutrient needs.

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Which parent carries the muscular dystrophy gene?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. Males have only one copy of the X chromosome from their mother and one copy of the Y chromosome from their father. If their X chromosome has a DMD gene mutation, they will have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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What is the life expectancy of a person with muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common type of muscular dystrophy. The life expectancy for this type is around the ages of 16 to the early 20s. Becker muscular dystrophy has a higher life expectancy, usually in the 30s.

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Who usually gets muscular dystrophy?

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy primarily affects male children. The disorder has two forms: One is X-linked recessive and the other is autosomal dominant. Onset of Emery-Dreifuss MD is usually apparent by age 10, but symptoms can appear as late as the mid-20s.

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What can be mistaken for muscular dystrophy?

The diseases most frequently mistaken for muscular dystrophy were polymyositis and the syndrome of "benign hypotonia." Polymyositis, with its protean manifestations and variable course, may mimic all of the forms of muscular dystrophy so closely that differentiation becomes especially difficult.

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What organs are affected by muscular dystrophy?

It tends to cause muscle weakness in your shoulders, upper arms and shins. EDMD also affects your heart. The condition usually progresses slowly. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD): FSHD most commonly affects muscles in your face, shoulders and upper arms.

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Does muscular dystrophy affect Behaviour?

However, young boys with DMD may have more difficulty with impulsivity and emotional control than other children their age. They are also more likely to be rigid and inflexible in their thinking, which can result in noncompliance or arguing.

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What is the most common cause of death in muscular dystrophy?

End stage cardio-respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in DMD. Young unexpected deaths do still occur. Vigilance is needed for nutritional, respiratory and cardiac failure at any age.

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Does muscular dystrophy affect the brain?

CMDs are a group of disorders that involve more than only muscles; other body structures including the brain, eyes, and heart may be affected.

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What are the signs of muscular dystrophy in adults?

Symptoms in Adults With Muscular Dystrophy
  • Swallowing difficulties.
  • Drooping eyelids.
  • Cataracts and other vision problems.
  • Baldness at the front of the scalp.
  • Weight loss.
  • Increased sweating.
  • Fatigue.
  • Infertility or impotence.

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What are the last stages of muscular dystrophy?

Late ambulatory

By this stage, muscle weakness will start to affect the lower limbs and trunk, making movement difficult for the child. Apart from physical therapy regimes, they will likely require leg braces and later a wheelchair to get around.

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Is muscular dystrophy painful?

Significant muscle wasting can occur over time. MMD patients may experience painful muscle cramping because of myotonia, which is delayed relaxation or sustained contraction of the muscle fibers.

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Can you fully recover from muscular dystrophy?

Although there's no cure for any form of muscular dystrophy, treatment for some forms of the disease can help extend the time a person with the disease can remain mobile and help with heart and lung muscle strength. Trials of new therapies are ongoing.

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Can you get muscular dystrophy later in life?

Distal muscular dystrophy affects the muscles of the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It usually comes on later in life, between ages 40 and 60. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy starts in a person's 40s or 50s.

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What are 3 types of muscular dystrophy?

Many types of muscular dystrophy are diagnosed in childhood, but there are several types that can appear during adolescence and adulthood.
  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. ...
  • Becker Muscular Dystrophy. ...
  • Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. ...
  • Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. ...
  • Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. ...
  • Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.

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Can someone with muscular dystrophy have children?

“These discussions can help give you a realistic sense of the chances your offspring might be affected, which may not be as high as you think. I've seen many people with muscular dystrophies who have had really successful pregnancies,” she says.

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Does walking help muscular dystrophy?

Exercise is well known to be an effective and accessible method of treatment for people with Muscular Dystrophy. Exercise has not only been proven to be a safe strategy for improved physical function, but it is also shown to increase muscle mass and strength (1) which counteracts muscle loss.

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How do you slow down muscular dystrophy?

What are the treatments for muscular dystrophy (MD)?
  1. Physical Therapy. Beginning physical therapy early can help keep muscles flexible and strong. ...
  2. Respiratory Therapy. ...
  3. Speech Therapy. ...
  4. Occupational Therapy. ...
  5. Surgery. ...
  6. Drug Therapy. ...
  7. Gene-Based Therapy.

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How do you sleep with muscular dystrophy?

Satin or nylon sheets and pajamas decrease friction, making turning and repositioning easier. A heavy belt or strap tied to the bedposts or a bed frame helps those with weak muscles gain leverage to turn themselves.

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