- November 14, 2016
- Posted by: emobile
- Category: Researcher's Corner
Emobileclinic Trending Topic
Muscular dystrophy is a form of disorders arising from a continuous loss of muscle mass and consequent loss of strength. It is a disease condition whereby there is enormous waste of muscles. No known cure exists for the condition at the moment. The main cause of it is the absence of dystrophin protein in the body. It affects all age groups and both sex.
Symptoms
Muscular pain and stiffness
Waddling gait
Walking on toes
Running and jumping disorder
Standing and sitting difficulty
Falling off with ease regularly
Walking difficulty
Reduced muscles and tendons causing restricted movement
Breathing difficulty
Weakened heart resulting in cardiac problems
Swallowing disorder
Causes
It is mainly caused by genetic disorder where there is inability of the body to secrete or produce dystrophin protein which is needed for the development and repairing of muscles in the body.
Diagnosis
The condition can be diagnosed through any of the following diagnostic ways:
Electrocardiography which involves monitoring of heart beat or rate
Enzyme assay
Genetic testing
Biopsy
Electromyography
Lung-monitoring test
Treatment
As said earlier, there is no permanent cure for this condition; however, there are management options for the condition. These include:
Using of medications that can enhance and promote healthy muscles. It needs to be mentioned that excessive use this drug may also weaken bone and resulting in weight gain. Medications that also promote good and healthy heart such as beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may also be helpful.
Engage in less stressful exercise involving a range of motion and stretching exercises can help fight the inevitable inward movement of the limbs as muscles and tendons shorten.
Breathing aid may be introduce in case of difficulty in breathe.
Gene replacement therapy.
