Muscular Dystrophy

What is muscular dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy is the name given to a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles which control movement. This group of diseases has three features in common:

• they are hereditary
• they are progressive
• each causes a characteristic, selective pattern of weakness

Some forms of MD first appear in infancy or childhood, but others may not appear until middle age or later. More information is available about the types of MD, including Duchenne MD.

The prognosis of MD varies according to the type of MD and the progression of the disorder. Life expectancy depends on the degree of progression and late respiratory deficit. Some cases may be mild, progress slowly, and have normal lifespan. Other cases may have a more rapid progression of muscle weakness, functional disability, and loss of ambulation.

How may MD be treated?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for any of the forms of MD. However, there are treatments that address the symptoms. Consult your physician for a treatment recommendation that is best suited for your individual condition and medical profile. Treatment may include any/all of the following:

• physical therapy to prevent contractures
• orthoses or orthopedic appliances used for support
• corrective orthopedic surgery may be needed to improve the quality of life in some cases
• pacemaker for cardiac problems that occur with Emery-Dreifuss MD and myotonic MD
• medications such as phenytoin or quinine for myotonia (delayed relaxation of a muscle after a strong contraction) occurring in myotonic MD
• other