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.
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.
Whilst physiological mechanisms of psychological stress are largely unknown, these association studies demonstrate high prevalence of stress disorders in muscular dystrophies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CMDs are a group of disorders that involve more than only muscles; other body structures including the brain, eyes, and heart may be affected.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.