Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disorder that causes muscular weakness. There are variety of dystrophy that is caused by defective genes. They are passed on to the family from the parents.
Causes :
Hereditary is the main cause for muscular dystrophy. It may develop during childhood or sometimes later. Some of the different categories of muscular dystrophy are Becker muscular dystrophy, Emery Dreifuss dystrophy, myotonia congenital dystrophy, limb girdle dystrophy and faciocapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms :
The symptoms are not the same for all the child with muscular dystrophy. For some children it may be in mild form and for others it can be severe. Some of the symptoms of MD are muscle weakness, delay in development of motor skills, difficulty in moving the muscles which can cause frequent falls, eyelids drooping, and problems in walking.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will physically examine the child for these symptoms and will collect the family history. He may check for abnormally curved spine, low muscle tone, and joint contractures. Sometimes, DNA blood test and muscle biopsy will be done, depending on the health condition of the child. In case of severe infection, ECG, EMG and genetic testing is done.
Pictures of Muscular Dystrophy :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Muscular Dystrophy
Treatment :
No treatment is available for muscular dystrophy. Treatment can be given only for controlling symptoms. Physiotherapy is combined with genetic counseling for the adults. Orthopedic appliances can be substituted for facilitating easy walking and increased mobility of the patient. In severe cases, surgery is done for repairing spine.
For some children corticosteroid injections or medicines are given to keep them walking normally. It is necessary for the child or affected adult to remain active, failing which the disease can worsen making the patient completely immobile.
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